COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Columbus Division of Police visited a behavioral treatment center for children four times while 8-year-old Martonio Wilder was there.
About two weeks ago, the boy was found dead in an attic. His mother, LaShanda Wilder, and her girlfriend, Johnna Lowe, are both charged with murder in his death.
10TV reached out to Hannah Neil Children's Center this morning. A representative told us they had no comment on Martonio and to contact their corporate office. We called their corporate office, and are still waiting for a response.
Police records from September of 2023 show the center called 911 because Martonio was having behavioral issues. The report said, “Mom is unwilling to come pick him up.”
Then, in October of 2023, the center called 911 again.
Records say, “Mom is unwilling to come back him up says to take him to children’s services.” It also said, “Now there is an open case through FCCS with mom” and “This is the 2nd time police has had to respond for him because mom refuses to respond.”
Martonio’s past is something his extended family said is now heartbreaking.
Rachelle Knight is his great-aunt. She questions the system, and wonders if they did enough for Martonio.
“I’m so glad Martonio is in peace. Because who knows how many times it would slide under the table and how many years, how many days, how much time he would have to suffer,” said Knight.
Siea Glover, Martonio’s cousin, said LaShanda was resistant to letting the family help her with the kids.
“There were a lot of people who tried to love him and she literally took him away. It’s like a whole new level of selfish. It’s one thing maybe you are going through something, maybe you are,” said Glover.
Glover said that LaShanda was troubled, but they thought she was turning her life around.
“She wouldn’t let us come and get him. Then, she wants to say he’s so bad on one hand, but if he’s so bad then let us take him. She would say 'no,'” said Glover.
Martonio’s extended family said they are a small family, but close. They told us they never thought something like this would happen to him.
“LaShanda has one of the most loving families ever. There is no reason for her to be filled with so much hate and whatever evil is in there,” said Glover.