An Ohio mother and her boyfriend are facing serious charges after authorities say they starved a 7-year-old boy with special needs to death. The child, who had cerebral palsy, weighed only 19 pounds when police found his body.
Boyfriend Arrested, Mother Still Missing
Police confirmed that 28-year-old Joshua Mulvey was arrested last week and charged with first-degree involuntary manslaughter and third-degree child endangerment.
The boy’s mother, 29-year-old Samantha Hardiman, has been indicted on two counts of murder, three counts of child endangerment, and one count of involuntary manslaughter. She remains at large, and authorities are searching for her.
Discovery of Kristopher Snyder’s Body
On June 2, 2023, around 7:30 p.m., Toledo police responded to a call about a deceased child at a home on Freeman Street. Officers found 7-year-old Kristopher Snyder dead inside the house.
Kristopher, who had cerebral palsy and epilepsy, was severely underweight. Police quickly suspected his death was the result of neglect.
Autopsy Confirms Cause of Death
The Lucas County Coroner’s Office later ruled Kristopher’s death a homicide caused by “malnutrition and dehydration associated with cerebral palsy, with epilepsy as another significant condition.”
Prosecutors said Kristopher weighed only 19 pounds, less than the average weight of a healthy one-year-old. They described him as “completely emaciated” when found.
Prosecutors: Boyfriend Had a Duty of Care
Prosecutor Jennifer Liptack-Wilson told the court that Mulvey had lived with Kristopher and his mother for about two years, meaning he had a responsibility to make sure the child’s basic needs were met.
Mulvey pleaded not guilty in court. His lawyer requested his release under electronic monitoring, but Judge Joe McNamara denied the request and set his bond at $300,000.
Mulvey’s Statement in Court
Mulvey told the court he felt he should not have been charged, saying, “I do not think I should be here in the first place, but that’s for another day.” He added that he wanted answers and intended to be part of the legal process.
For now, Mulvey remains in custody at the Lucas County Correctional Center and is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on September 10.
This heartbreaking case highlights the devastating consequences of neglect and the vulnerability of children with special needs. While one suspect is behind bars, the mother remains missing, and justice for young Kristopher Snyder is still unfolding.
