Woman Gets Life in Prison⁣ in Martonio Wilder Child Abuse Death

⁤ Updated June ⁣07,2025

Johnna Lowe,24,has⁣ been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to murder ⁤and gross abuse of a corpse in the death of 8-year-old Martonio Wilder. The tragic case unfolded after Wilder’s mother,LaShanda Delores Wilder,33,reported him missing in June‍ of last year.

The examination took a grim turn⁤ when police discovered Martonio’s body hidden in a rubbish⁢ bag⁢ inside a sleeping bag in the attic of a Columbus, Ohio, home. Authorities grew suspicious during their search, noting that both Wilder and Lowe allegedly fled the ⁢residence ‍after the missing⁣ persons report was filed.

An autopsy revealed the⁤ cause of death as “asphyxia by anterior neck compression,” along with evidence of severe malnutrition, systematic child abuse, and important muscle loss. Martonio weighed a mere 15kg and was just over four ⁢feet tall.

Prosecutors stated that Lowe admitted to detectives that Martonio had been locked in a coat closet after being beaten with a crutch just two⁢ days before his death.Reports also indicate he was frequently confined to the ⁢closet⁢ to prevent him from ⁢accessing food and was occasionally beaten and choked with an extension cord.

LaShanda Wilder is scheduled to appear in court on‍ July 15. Lowe will be⁢ eligible for parole⁢ after serving 15 years, according to Ohio law. The child abuse case has sparked outrage and grief⁢ in the community.

Martonio’s great-aunt described him as a vibrant child who “loved everybody” and “just wanted to be ⁢loved.” A cousin alleged that child services failed to intervene quickly enough,despite signs of abuse.

Franklin County Children’s Services stated they had been working with the family since May 2022, offering numerous support services to Martonio’s mother, with police present on at least 13 visits to the home in the 18 months leading up to his⁤ death. The child neglect case remains⁤ under investigation.

“He was ⁤so shining. He ⁢loved ⁤everybody. He just wanted⁢ to be loved. He would give you a hug.”

martonio’s great-aunt

What’s next

The upcoming court appearance for LaShanda Wilder will likely shed further light on the circumstances surrounding Martonio’s death and the extent of⁢ child‍ abuse involved. The community awaits the pursuit of justice in this tragic case of child neglect.