TOLEDO, OH – The discovery of 13-year-old Kimmani Latique’s body in a desolate, burned-out house has left the Toledo community devastated and searching for answers. The young girl, who had been missing for nearly a week, was found with fatal wounds that authorities say were inflicted with a sharp object.
Attention quickly turned to her father, Darnell Jones, who was apprehended by police in Columbus after a dramatic confrontation. During the arrest, Jones reportedly brandished a firearm, prompting officers to open fire. He was injured but survived, and now faces multiple charges, including the murder of his daughter.
Jones’s extensive criminal history, including past arrests for arson and assault, has intensified the community’s grief and anger. This tragic event has prompted a thorough review by Lucas County Children’s Services to assess their handling of the family’s case.
Kimmani, a seventh-grader known for her kindness and academic success, had been living with her grandmother. Her death has left a lasting impact on her school and community, where she was beloved by friends and teachers alike.
As the investigation unfolds, questions linger about potential missed opportunities to intervene and protect Kimmani. The community’s heartbreak is matched by a determination to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In the wake of this tragedy, Toledo is left to grapple with the complexities of child protection and the urgent need for effective intervention in cases of potential abuse or neglect. The hope is that this painful lesson will lead to meaningful change and greater safety for vulnerable children.