Columbus, OH – In a tragic case that has left the community in disbelief, Lashanda Wilder, 33, has been sentenced to life in prison for the death of her 8-year-old son, Martonio Wilder. The case, which unfolded over a period of abuse and neglect, ended in a senseless tragedy when Martonio’s life was cut short. The abuse was carried out by Wilder and her partner, Johnna Lowe, 34, both of whom were arrested and charged for the boy’s death.

A Pattern of Abuse and Neglect

According to law enforcement officials, Martonio had suffered horrific abuse over a prolonged period of time at the hands of his mother and Lowe. The boy was allegedly locked in a closet to prevent him from accessing food at night, and was forced to carry a heavy medicine ball while walking naked up and down stairs as a form of punishment. Neighbors and individuals familiar with the family reported that Martonio was treated much worse than the other children in the household. This disturbing pattern of abuse was overlooked until it tragically escalated to his death.

Martonio’s life ended on June 27, 2024, when he became unresponsive. Instead of calling for medical assistance, Wilder and Lowe callously placed his body into a laundry bag and then into a garbage bag, hiding the boy’s remains in the attic of their home on Olmstead Avenue. It wasn’t until the next day that Wilder made a call to 911, claiming that her son was missing.

A Shocking Discovery

On June 28, 2024, authorities responded to Wilder’s call about her missing son. The investigation led them to conduct a search of the home with the help of a cadaver dog, which ultimately discovered Martonio’s body hidden in the attic. The Franklin County Coroner determined that Martonio had died from blunt force injuries and asphyxiation. He was also severely malnourished, dehydrated, and showed numerous bruises on his head and face. The horrific nature of his death prompted a full-scale investigation into the circumstances leading up to the tragedy.

Attempt to Conceal the Crime

After Martonio’s death, Lashanda Wilder and Johnna Lowe made the decision to remove the other children from the home, dropping them off at Lashanda’s mother’s house. They hoped to evade suspicion by distancing themselves from the situation, but this act did not go unnoticed. Mary Johnson, Wilder’s mother, failed to inform the authorities when they came looking for the children, leading to charges of obstructing justice being filed against her.

In addition to her son’s tragic death, investigators found that Lashanda Wilder had been stealing from her workplace, Popeyes, where she had taken over $1,000. She claimed that the money was for Martonio’s funeral, but investigators discovered that the theft had occurred before his death. This theft added to the mounting evidence against Wilder, painting a disturbing picture of her actions leading up to and after the tragedy.

Court Proceedings and Sentencing

On June 15, 2025, Lashanda Wilder entered a plea of guilty to charges of murder, abuse of a corpse, and theft. The judge sentenced her to life in prison, with eligibility for parole after 15 years. This sentence marked the culmination of a long and painful journey for Martonio’s family and the community, who had witnessed his life being stolen away by those meant to care for him.

Johnna Lowe, Wilder’s partner in crime, had already pleaded guilty to the same charges earlier that month. She received the same sentence of life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years.

A Grandmother’s Failure to Protect

Mary Johnson, the boy’s grandmother, was also implicated in the case for her role in obstructing justice by hiding the children from police. While she was not involved in the physical abuse of Martonio, her failure to cooperate with authorities led to her being found guilty of obstructing justice. She received a suspended sentence and was sentenced to two years of community control.

Community Grieves the Loss of Martonio Wilder

The community of Columbus, Ohio, particularly the neighborhoods surrounding Olmstead Avenue, is reeling from the loss of young Martonio Wilder. He was described by those who knew him as a child who had endured unimaginable pain and suffering, yet was full of innocence and potential. The tragedy has sparked deep conversations around child welfare, abuse prevention, and the failures of systems meant to protect vulnerable children.

A Call for Child Protection Reform

Martonio’s death is a stark reminder of the prevalence of child abuse and neglect, and the tragic outcomes that can result from such mistreatment. Advocates for children have called for increased measures to address these issues and ensure that children in vulnerable situations are given the support and protection they need. The story of Martonio Wilder serves as an urgent call for change, urging communities and policymakers to take more proactive steps in preventing abuse and ensuring that children have the resources and safe environments to thrive.

Conclusion: Remembering Martonio

As Lashanda Wilder, Johnna Lowe, and Mary Johnson face their respective sentences, the community remains focused on remembering Martonio Wilder and honoring his life. His tragic death has left a permanent scar on the hearts of those who knew him, and has prompted a larger conversation about the systemic failures that allowed his suffering to continue for so long. While his family’s pain will never truly go away, they are left with the hope that his story will inspire change and lead to greater protection for children in the future.

This heartbreaking case serves as a painful reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting the most vulnerable members of society. It is hoped that through education, advocacy, and reform, future tragedies like this can be prevented, and that all children will grow up in environments where they feel safe, loved, and valued.