Attorneys for Darnell Jones asked a judge to postpone his capital murder trial in Toledo. The man accused of killing 13-year-old Kei’Mani Latigue could now face court in January instead of October.
Jones’ trial is currently set for Oct. 19. His defense team filed a request to move the date to Jan. 4.
The defense says a forensic psychologist needs more time to review thousands of pages of records. The psychologist is preparing a report that could come into play if Jones is convicted.
Jones is charged in the death of Kei’Mani Latigue. The girl was reported missing in March of last year.
Her body was found days later inside a vacant east Toledo home.
Jones faces numerous charges including aggravated murder, along with rape, kidnapping, tampering with evidence and abuse of a corpse.
Prosecutors have said they do not object to postponing the trial. A judge could take up that request during a pretrial conference.
Capital murder cases in Ohio are tried in common pleas court. A pretrial conference lets the judge and lawyers handle motions and scheduling before trial.
A forensic psychologist evaluates a defendant to assess mental state. The findings can shape defense strategy and sentencing arguments.
