An Ohio neighborhood is in shock after a horrifying murder of 13-year-old Keimani Latigue, whose mutilated body was discovered in an abandoned home just six days after she was reported missing.
Authorities described the case as one of the most horrific they have ever encountered.
Keimani, who was just days away from her 14th birthday, was found with severe injuries, including the severing of her hands and multiple incised wounds to her neck.
An autopsy confirmed the teenager had been raped prior to her death. Lt. Brian Steel of the Columbus Police expressed disbelief at the brutality involved in the case, labeling the perpetrator as an “absolute animal.”
The investigation took a startling turn when Keimani’s father, Darnell Jones, appeared on local television pleading for help in finding his daughter.
However, inconsistencies in his statements led to a search warrant for his arrest. Following Keimani’s discovery, he was charged with murder and felonious assault.
In a dramatic turn of events, Jones was apprehended in Columbus during a SWAT operation, where he was shot after reportedly displaying a firearm. He was later hospitalized for his injuries.
Keimani’s death has left family, friends, and classmates devastated. She was set to receive a kindness award at her school, and was remembered as a bright student with a promising future.
