Mother Charged with Murder After Body of 8-Year-Old Son Is Found in Attic of Family Home: Reports
Martonio Wilder was found in his family home on Friday, June 28, shortly before an amber alert was issued for his two brothers
A mother in Ohio has reportedly been charged with murder after the body of her eight-year-old son was found in the attic of his family home.
According to NBC 4, Martonio Wilder was found at the property in Columbus on Friday, June 28, shortly before an amber alert was issued for two of his brothers, who were later found in safe condition and placed in custody at Franklin County Children Services.
In a press conference, Chief Elaine Bryant confirmed on Saturday that “King Wilder, three years old and Michael Simon, nine years old, were recovered safely at the home of a family member,” per The Columbus Dispatch.
“We have located a body who we believe to be Martonio Wilder located inside of the home,” she added.
NBC 4 also reported that court records revealed that Martonio died from “deep neck compression.”
Columbus Division of Police did not immediately reply to PEOPLE when approached for comment.
According to NBC 4, the child’s mother Lashanda Wilder, 32, first called police officers to her house in the 1000 block of Olmstead Avenue at around 12 p.m., leading to her and her girlfriend Johnna Lowe, 33, telling them that they hadn’t seen Martonio since the night before.
A missing person’s advisory for the boy was then issued and a K-9 search conducted around the neighborhood, while Lashanda and Lowe left with the other two children without telling the police their whereabouts.
The child’s mother and her girlfriend then reportedly turned themselves in on Saturday after police had discovered Martonio’s body and spent a day trying to ascertain their whereabouts.
According to ABC 6, Lashanda was charged with murder and obstructing justice, while Lowe was charged with obstructing justice.
Lashanda’s brother also told the outlet that his sister “is evil,” adding that she has had anger issues throughout her life. He also said her sons were happiest when they weren’t with her.
“It’s sickening,” a neighbor Raymond Bircher said of Martonio to ABC 6. “We see him every day walking by and he was always by himself.”
According to NBC 4, Lashanda and Lowe are scheduled to appear in Franklin County Municipal Court on Monday, July 1.