Darnell Jones-Ogletree, the father accused of killing his 13-year-old daughter Kei’Mani Latigue, on Friday appeared in a courtroom in Toledo, Ohio, after being extradited from Columbus to face charges.
Jones-Ogletree, who also goes by Darnell Ogletree, is charged with murder, felonious assault and abduction. A judge set his total bond at $4 million, including $2 million on the murder charge and $1 million apiece on the abduction and felonious assault counts, with no bond reduction allowed. He was ordered not to have contact with the victim’s family or any minors.
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
Appearing in court in a wheelchair, he confirmed that he had been shot in the back by Columbus police before his arrest.
Why It Matters
Kei’Mani Latigue’s death has prompted public memorials, investigations and renewed calls for oversight of local child protection agencies. The case has also placed a spotlight on the systems and safeguards in place for vulnerable children in Ohio.
Latigue was reported missing by family on March 18. Her body was discovered six days later at a vacant property on Miami Street in Toledo. The Lucas County Coroner’s Office determined that she died from multiple incised wounds of the neck and ruled the manner of death a homicide.
What To Know
Authorities allege that Jones-Ogletree was the last person to see Latigue alive and had taken her from her home without her guardian’s consent, according to an arrest warrant obtained by WTOL. A warrant for his arrest said that he gave police “inconsistent statements” about his interactions with the girl before her disappearance.
According to newly filed court documents obtained by WTOL, Jones-Ogletree allegedly told authorities that he dragged Latigue to the abandoned house and fatally wounded her.
Before being returned to Toledo, Jones was held in Columbus, where he faced separate charges, accused of pulling a gun on SWAT officers. He was shot and hospitalized, delaying his transfer to Lucas County until Thursday.
While the felonious assault charge in Columbus Municipal Court was dismissed to facilitate his extradition, that case may proceed in Franklin County Common Pleas Court pending a future indictment, according to WTVG.
What People Are Saying
Judge Nicole Khoury referred to the charges as “not only the most serious, but some of the most heinous.”
Brian Steel, president of the Columbus Fraternal Order of Police, in comments to reporters: “You’ve got not just a murderer—a violent murderer, a sadistic murderer—in our neighborhoods. It’s appalling.”
What Happens Next
Jones-Ogletree is scheduled to return to court on April 24. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of Latigue’s death and the actions taken by child protective services before her disappearance.
Community members have organized memorial events and public marches in memory of the teen. Lucas County officials have announced plans to form a task force to examine and rebuild trust in local child welfare systems.
As of Friday, no public comments have been issued by Jones-Ogletree’s legal counsel, and his attorney’s name has not been listed in any court documents.
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