LCCS says investigations found no evidence to remove Kei'Mani Latigue from home after 3 reports

TOLEDO, Ohio -- Lucas County Children Services (LCCS) announced on Friday that it found no evidence warranting the removal of Kei'Mani Latigue from her home following three reports concerning her care since 2023. The reports, which included a submission on December 8, 2023, and two on March 21, 2024, centered around her grandmother, Dorothy Latigue, who was caring for Kei'Mani at the time.

Investigations by LCCS involved meetings with Kei'Mani, where she was spoken to independently about each report. LCCS also engaged with referral sources and others involved with the family to gather comprehensive information. Following their investigation, LCCS provided Dorothy with guidelines for "appropriate discipline" and offered referrals to support programs, including OhioRISE for youths with complex behavioral and multisystem needs.

Notably, LCCS reported that there were no further allegations of abuse or neglect toward Kei'Mani after the last incidents noted in March 2024. Additionally, the agency stated that they had no information regarding Kei'Mani's father. Darnell Jones, identified as the suspect in Kei'Mani's murder, was never recognized as her father or as having a history of abuse or neglect regarding the child.

In response to the ongoing investigation, LCCS has emphasized that details of their child abuse and neglect inquiries are confidential under Ohio law. Although they wished to provide more information about their involvement with Kei'Mani, they prioritized the integrity of the murder prosecution. They indicated that they would release further details once approved by the prosecutor, ensuring it would not hinder legal proceedings.

Kei'Mani was reported missing on March 18, 2024, and her body was discovered shortly after in an abandoned house in east Toledo. The Lucas County Coroner's Office ruled her death a homicide resulting from multiple deep cuts to her neck. Her father, Darnell Jones, faces serious charges including murder, felonious assault, and abduction related to her death. Jones was the last known person to have seen Kei'Mani alive and has been reported to have given inconsistent statements about his involvement.