Body Found in Burned-Out Home Amid Search for 13-Year-Old Girl

Ohio police reportedly discovered a body on Monday amid their ongoing search for a 13-year-old girl who vanished last week.

The Toledo Blade reported that a tip led investigators to the unidentified body, which was located in a burned-out, unoccupied home. It is unconfirmed that the body is Keimani Latigue, but police said on Monday that her father, Darnell Jones, 33, is wanted on child abduction charges.

However, Latigue’s grandmother told KTOL that the body is hers.

Advertisement

According to the Toledo Blade, Latigue’s mother, who lives in Cleveland, told authorities that Jones was the last person to see their daughter. Latigue’s grandmother said the girl did not turn up for school last Tuesday, March 18, which was unlike her. Her phone also went straight to voicemail.

Jones told WTVG last week that he last saw Latigue on Sunday, March 16, after she called and said she was afraid to be home alone. Police said Jones has given inconsistent accounts about his correspondence with his daughter or her whereabouts.

Latigue reportedly lives alone with her grandmother. The grandmother told WTTG that she came home on Monday, March 17, to a home in disarray. She also claimed the gas was on and Latigue’s glasses and keys were in the home.

Advertisement

“Other than her and I, it’s just two dogs in the house. So, who cut it on? So that was kind of suspicious. Her glasses in her underclothes were by the couch in the front. Her pajamas were on the dining room floor,” she said.

Toledo police confirmed to WTOL that Jones’ child abduction charges specifically pertain to Latigue. He remains unaccounted for.

This story is developing… 

Advertisement

For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.

Join Nancy Grace for her new online video series designed to help you protect what you love most — your children.

Advertisement

[Feature Photo: Handout]