Columbus Mother Sentenced to Life in Prison for the Death of 8-Year-Old Martonio Wilder After Prolonged Abuse

Columbus, OH — A tragic and horrifying case has reached its conclusion as 33-year-old Lashanda Wilder was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of her 8-year-old son, Martonio Wilder. The boy’s death, caused by months of severe abuse and neglect, shocked the Columbus community and exposed deep failures in protecting vulnerable children.

Wilder pleaded guilty on June 15, 2025, to charges including murder, abuse of a corpse, and theft. She will serve life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years. Her partner, 34-year-old Johnna Lowe, previously pleaded guilty to the same charges and received an identical sentence.

A Pattern of Cruelty

Authorities say Martonio was systematically abused in the home he shared with Wilder, Lowe, and other children. He was singled out and treated cruelly—locked in closets, denied food, and forced to carry a heavy medicine ball up and down stairs while completely naked.

Witnesses said the abuse had been ongoing for some time, and Martonio was often punished more harshly than the other children. He was frequently left malnourished, dehydrated, and covered in bruises. On the day of his death, he became unresponsive, likely from injuries sustained during this ongoing abuse.

Cover-Up Attempt

Instead of seeking medical help, Wilder and Lowe placed Martonio’s body in a laundry bag, wrapped it in a garbage bag, and hid it in the attic of their home on Olmstead Avenue. Hours later, Wilder called 911 to report him missing, attempting to mislead investigators.

When Columbus police searched the home on June 28, 2024, they used a cadaver dog that quickly led them to the attic, where the boy’s body was found. The Franklin County Coroner’s Office determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma and asphyxiation. His condition also showed signs of long-term abuse.

Family Involvement and Obstruction

Following the boy’s death, Wilder and Lowe fled the home with two other children and dropped them off at Wilder’s mother’s home. Mary Johnson, the children’s grandmother, failed to inform law enforcement about their whereabouts and was later convicted of obstructing justice. She received a suspended sentence and two years of community control.

In a related incident, police discovered that Wilder had stolen over $1,000 from a Popeyes restaurant where she worked. She initially claimed it was to pay for her son’s funeral, but evidence showed the theft took place before Martonio died.

A Community in Mourning

The heartbreaking details of this case have devastated the Columbus community. Advocates for child welfare have pointed to missed warning signs and a lack of intervention. Martonio had reportedly suffered injuries in the past, and those close to the family had attempted to raise concerns.

His tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in protecting children from abuse. Authorities urge anyone who suspects child abuse to report it immediately.

If You Need to Report Child Abuse

Call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). All calls are confidential and available 24/7.

Martonio Wilder’s life was short, but his story will not be forgotten. His name now stands as a symbol of the urgent need to listen, to act, and to protect those who cannot protect themselves.