What happened to Martonio Wilder? New details in the investigation into the death of an 8-year-old boy

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The Franklin County Coroner is releasing new details in the death of 8-year-old Martonio Wilder. His mother, 32-year-old Lashanda Wilder, has been charged with murder.

Wilder’s girlfriend, 33-year-old Johnna Lowe, is accused of obstruction of justice. Both are being held on bail.

NBC4 had the opportunity to review the coroner’s report.

The report breaks down what happened last Friday, June 28, after Wilder called 911 to report Martonio missing. It talks about how and where his body was found. We also hear 911 calls that Wilder himself made that day.

“Can I get a crew please? My 8-year-old son ran away last night,” Wilder said.

This is one of two 911 calls Wilder made asking police to come to her Olmstead Avenue home. She says the last time anyone saw Martonio was Thursday night, June 27, just before everyone went to bed. She tells police she has no idea where he might be and doesn’t know what he was wearing.

“My back door was wide open. Oh man, oh man,” Wilder tells the dispatcher.

During the phone call, Wilder says that this is not the first time Martonio has done something like this, but that they have always found him.

“He had jumped out of my window before, I found him on the side of my house. He just ran away, I don’t know why. He said he hated me. He said he hated everything, he said he didn’t care about being here,” she said.

When officers arrived on scene, a search began. According to court documents, at some point Wilder became uncooperative and left the house with Lowe and her two other children, a three-year-old and a nine-year-old. This was the reason for the Amber Alert on Friday evening.

Later that evening, according to the medical examiner’s report, rescuers entered Wilders’ home through the back door and made their way to the second floor. There, rescuers noticed an attic door. The attic is only about two feet high and is filled with dust and cobwebs. The only thing inside was a tied-up sleeping bag cover.

According to the investigation report, paramedics cut the cords and discovered a black garbage bag. All that was visible were Martonio’s hands, feet and camouflage pants. According to the report, the body was cold to the touch and the temperature in the house was 25 degrees.

NBC4 was also shown coroner photos. It appears that Martonio was malnourished.

We know that Franklin County Children Services (FCCS) worked with the Wilder family, but we do not know in what capacity. A spokesperson for FCCS says it can be difficult to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect, but a closer look at the situation may be warranted if the signs occur repeatedly or in combination.

Here are some signs to look for, according to the FCCS:

Signs of physical abuse

Consider the possibility of physical abuse if the child:

• Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones or black eyes
• Has fading bruises or other visible marks after an absence from school
• Seems to be afraid of parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home
• Shrinks when adults approach
• Report an injury by a parent or other adult caregiver

Consider the possibility of physical abuse if the parent or other adult caregiver:

• Offers contradictory, unconvincing, or no explanation for the child’s injury
• Describes the child as “bad” or in another very negative way
• Uses harsh physical discipline on the child
• Has a history of abuse as a child

Signs of neglect

Consider the possibility of neglect if the child:

• Often absent from school
• Begging or stealing food or money
• There is a lack of necessary medical or dental care, vaccinations or glasses
• There is a lack of adequate clothing for the weather
• Abuses alcohol or other drugs
• Indicates that there is no one at home to provide care

Consider the possibility of neglect if the parent or other adult caregiver:

• Seems to be indifferent to the child
• Appears apathetic or depressed
• Behaves irrationally or bizarrely
• Abuses alcohol or other drugs

If you are concerned, you can call the Franklin County Child Abuse Hotline.