COLUMBUS, Ohio — The death of 8-year-old Martonio Wilder has brought forth confusion, grief and anger from family members.
The boy’s mother, Lashanda Wilder, was charged with his murder. She and her girlfriend, Johnna Lowe are charged with obstruction of justice after police said the two fled during the active investigation. Lashanda was given a $2 million bond, and Lowe was given a $500,000 bond.
"He just wanted to be loved. I'm telling you that's all he wanted,” said his great aunt, Rachelle Knight after the arraignments on Monday.
Court documents say the coroner found deep neck compressions on Martonio.
Knight believes more could have been done to keep Martonio safe. She said she would try and keep him at her house, away from Lashanda, but because she did not have custody, there was not much she could do legally to step in.
In the days after Martonio’s death, family members have been learning more from each other about the alleged abuse happening inside the home. Rachelle said Lashanda would treat Martonio differently from his other siblings, alleging that he was forced to eat in a closet and drink sanitizer.
"From the outside looking in, there's a lot of questions about where his family was you know and we were there you know. It's just, we can't be there all the time and a lot of things went on that wouldn't happen in front of us. A lot of the things we're finding out now have been like horrific. And it's like wow, this is what was going on when we weren't around,” said Martonio’s cousin, Siea Glover.
Police say Lashanda had custody of at least three of her children. Two of Martonio’s brothers were found safe at Lowe’s mother’s house after an AMBER Alert was issued Friday evening.
Franklin County Children Services confirmed the agency has worked with the family for about two years.
A statement from FCCS says in part, “First, Martonio’s two brothers are safely in the care of Children Services at this time. We will be working with our partners in law enforcement and the courts to find the best temporary placement for the boys while this situation is investigated and resolved. Their safety and wellbeing are our priority.
“Second, our agency and caseworkers first began working with Martonio’s mother Lashanda Wilder and her family starting in May of 2022. A variety of services have been offered and provided to the family over the past two years, including case management, information/referral assistance, and behavioral health support through the team at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.”
A spokesperson for FCCS said the agency could not answer further questions about the relationship with the family, due to privacy.
The agency could also not say how it determined that the house was safe for Martonio to live in.
Both Lashanda and Lowe have criminal records.
Records from the Columbus Division of Police show officers have responded to the home 13 times since January 2023: three times for disturbances, three times for domestic violence, twice for domestic disputes and once for a cutting/stabbing.
Police had most recently responded to the home on June 20 for a disturbance, eight days before Martonio was found dead.
Knight said she has been trying to reach FCCS and Lashanda’s case worker but has not gotten a response.