New court filings show attorneys for Darnell Jones pursuing prison records as mental health remains central in death penalty case.

TOLEDO, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Corrections will turn over prison records in the capital murder case of a Toledo man.

Darnell Jones is charged with aggravated murder, kidnapping and rape in the death of his daughter, Kei’mani Latigue, 13, in March 2024.

Jones’ defense attorney requested records connected to two inmate numbers and aliases for Jones because he has also gone by the last name of Ogletree.



This story continues below.

Those records include medical, mental health, disciplinary and educational files.

Court filings show the defense is continuing to pursue records and expert review tied to Jones’ mental condition. The judge granted a defense motion seeking to subpoena records from the Social Security Administration, and additional materials – including jail correspondence and documents related to a forensic psychologist – were filed under seal.

Those developments build on issues raised during a March 6 hearing, where defense attorneys said they were reviewing a large volume of jail records and conducting their own internal assessment of Jones’ competency before deciding whether to pursue a formal evaluation. At that time, the defense also requested a delay in a separate court-ordered evaluation by Toledo forensic psychiatrist Dr. Jonathan Sirkin.

Mental health has remained a central issue in the case. Jones’ attorneys have previously indicated they intend to argue he suffered from serious mental illness, which could make him ineligible for the death penalty if convicted.

Kei’Mani Latigue was reported missing in March 2024. Her body was found days later inside an abandoned East Toledo home. Jones was arrested shortly afterward following a confrontation with police in Columbus. Jones has pleaded not guilty.

The trial is currently set for Oct. 19. 

Share.

Comments are closed.