DETROIT (WWJ) -- Charges have been announced in the murder of a missing woman, after her dismembered body was found in her Detroit home.
Latima Warren, a 32-year-old mother of four, was last seen alive on December 20, 2021, at the home she shared with her boyfriend in the 8000 block of Vaughn Street, on the city's west side.
Detroit Police Chief James White said a community group jumped in to help with the investigation, leading officers to search the home, where they made a tragic discovery.
According to prosecutors, on Jan. 17, a Michigan State Police cadaver dog found human remains concealed in a bag in the basement of the house. The following day, another bag with human remains was discovered upstairs.
The remains were was sent to the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office, which determined that Warren was the victim, and her death was ruled a homicide.
Warren boyfriend, 44-year-old Rondell Watters, was at the home with the couple’s newborn baby when officers arrived, police said, and was taken into custody.
On Thursday, White announced that Watters has been charged with one count of open murder, one count of disinterment and mutilation of a body, and one count of tampering with evidence. He was arraigned in 36th District Court, and remanded to jail without bond.
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“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Ms. Warren. This is beyond tragic, and I am thankful for the men and women of the Detroit Police Department who have worked tirelessly on this case,” said Chief James White, in a statement.
Police have not yet released further details, including about how Warren was killed or a potential motive for the slaying.
Watters will be back in court for a Probable Cause Conference is scheduled for Feb. 3, followed by a Preliminary Examination set for Feb. 10.
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