Woman sentenced after girlfriend’s 8-year-old child was fatally strangled and placed in trash bag

COLUMBUS, Ohio (TCN) -- A 34-year-old woman will spend time behind bars in connection with the strangling death of her girlfriend’s young son.

The Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced June 5 that Johnna Lowe pleaded guilty to charges of murder and gross abuse of a corpse. A judge sentenced her to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years.

According to authorities, on June 28, 2024, Columbus Police responded to a report of a missing child, 8-year-old Martonio Wilder. The boy’s mother, Lashanda Wilder, reportedly said she last saw her son the previous night when she tucked him into bed, and "she feared he had run away."

Police searched the area and discovered Martonio Wilder’s body in a trash bag in the attic of his home. Lowe, Lashanda Wilder, and two other children purportedly left the residence by the time officials found the victim. Authorities issued an Amber Alert for the two kids and later found them unharmed with Lowe’s mother.

According to prosecutors, an autopsy revealed the victim died of asphyxia by neck compression and had been abused. Investigators determined Martonio Wilder suffered blunt force trauma, including bruises and lacerations to his face.

Prosecutors said he was "seriously malnourished and dehydrated," and "his eyes and abdomen were sunken, and his pelvis, collarbone, ribs, and kneecaps were clearly visible through his skin." At the time of his death, Martonio Wilder weighed 35 pounds.

On June 29, 2024, Lowe turned herself in to police.

Lashanda Wilder faces charges of murder, endangering children, felonious assault, tampering with evidence, and abuse of a corpse. Her next hearing is scheduled for July 15.

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