In court proceedings this week, the defense team for Darnell Jones (also known as Darnell Ogletree) — the man charged in the alleged murder of his 13-year-old daughter Kei’Mani Latigue — was pressed to decide whether they will pursue a mental-health or intellectual-disability defense.
Under a court order issued by the judge, Jones’ attorneys must put in writing any claims of serious mental illness, intellectual disability or other related conditions that might serve as a defense by October 30, or risk being barred from raising those arguments later.
Jones is charged in the kidnapping, rape and homicide of his daughter Kei’Mani in Toledo. The trial has been tentatively scheduled for late April 2026, though that date could shift depending on ensuing legal proceedings.
The case has drawn significant attention due to its severity and the community impact. Prosecutors allege that Jones transported Kei’Mani to an abandoned residence, assaulted her, and then fatally wounded her by a neck injury.
As of now, Jones has pleaded not guilty. The upcoming determination of whether the defence will raise mental-health or intellectual-disability issues could play a major role in how the remainder of the pre-trial process unfolds.
Darnell Jones-Ogletree attending court Inside Lucas County Common Pleas Federal courthouse
