Brown Legacy Memorial says it has raised $6,000 for Kei'Mani Latigue's funeral, will hold private and public service

TOLEDO, Ohio -- Brown Legacy Memorial announced on Facebook that over $6,000 has been raised to support both private and public funeral services for Kei'Mani Latigue, a 13-year-old girl whose body was discovered in an abandoned property in east Toledo after her disappearance. Kei'Mani's family, particularly her aunt Saneika Williams, had previously indicated that the funeral costs were not fully covered, prompting community support for the family.

The fundraising efforts have garnered significant community backing, with Brown Legacy stating that the total raised surpasses nearly half of the family's initial goal. The Latigue family expressed their heartfelt thanks for the community's love and support during this tragic time, highlighting the importance of honoring Kei'Mani's memory together.

Brown Legacy Memorial is in the process of finalizing details for two separate services for Kei'Mani. One will be a private, invite-only service, while the public service will provide an opportunity for the broader community to pay their respects and celebrate her life. The funeral home emphasized that contributions will directly assist in covering Kei'Mani's funeral expenses, and any remaining funds will be donated to organizations that embody her spirit and compassion.

Families and friends have been urged to refrain from supporting any unofficial GoFundMe campaigns claiming to raise funds in Kei'Mani's honor, as her family has not endorsed such efforts. This alert comes amidst the investigation surrounding her tragic death.

Kei'Mani was reported missing on March 18, and her body was discovered on the following Monday. The Lucas County Coroner's Office ruled her death a homicide due to multiple deep cuts to her neck. Her father, Darnell Jones, has been charged with murder, felonious assault, and abduction in connection with her death, and he was the last known person to have seen her alive.