An Ohio woman has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of murdering her then-girlfriend’s 8-year-old son. The tragic case, which involved the death of Martonio Wilder, occurred in June 2024 in Columbus. Martonio’s body was discovered hidden in an attic, wrapped in a sleeping bag and trash bag, sparking an investigation that would eventually lead to the sentencing of 24-year-old Johnna Lowe.
The Incident and Investigation
In late June 2024, Martonio Wilder, an 8-year-old boy, was reported missing by his mother, LaShanda Delores Wilder, 33. The missing person case quickly turned into a murder investigation when authorities found Martonio’s body hidden in the attic of his home in the Milo-Grogan neighborhood of Columbus. The child’s body was found wrapped in a trash bag, inside a sleeping bag. Police became suspicious of the circumstances surrounding his death after a series of strange actions by the mother and her partner, Johnna Lowe.
Authorities began their investigation shortly after the disappearance was reported. Lowe and Wilder allegedly fled the scene before law enforcement arrived, and Martonio’s mother was uncooperative when police brought in a cadaver dog. This raised suspicions, and the investigation quickly turned to discovering what had happened to the young boy.
Abuse and Neglect Leading to Tragedy
Martonio’s cousin, speaking to the media, revealed that there were signs of neglect leading up to the child’s death. According to the cousin, Martonio was often kept in a corner while the other children played. She also mentioned that he appeared to be underfed compared to the other children in the home. These disturbing signs, however, were not enough to prompt child welfare authorities to intervene.
Franklin County Children’s Services had been involved with Martonio’s family since May 2022. During that time, they provided various support services to his mother, but despite repeated visits from law enforcement, including over 13 visits in the year and a half leading up to Martonio’s death, the interventions were not enough to protect the child from the neglect and eventual murder.
The Sentence and Legal Outcome
Johnna Lowe, after pleading guilty to charges of murder and gross abuse of a corpse, was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years. She also received credit for 342 days of pre-trial detention. Her partner, LaShanda Wilder, is expected to appear in court on July 15, 2024, facing her own charges related to the death of Martonio.
This tragic case highlights the ongoing issues of child abuse, neglect, and the failure of child welfare systems to intervene in time. Despite numerous warnings and signs of abuse, Martonio’s case ended in tragedy. The sentencing of Johnna Lowe to life in prison provides some form of justice, but the loss of a young child is a heartbreaking reminder of the need for stronger protective measures for vulnerable children.
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