Bonds total $2.5 million for two women arrested in death of 8-year-old Columbus boy

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The mother and girlfriend who police believe are connected to the death of an 8-year-old Columbus boy had their cases heard in court for the first time Monday morning.

Lashanda Wilder and her girlfriend, Johnna Lowe, had arraignment hearings in Franklin County Municipal Court, with Wilder, 32 receiving a high bond. She is charged with murder and obstruction of justice after the death of Martonio Wilder was ruled a homicide.

A judge issued Wilder, who did not appear in person, $2 million in total bonds: $1.5 million for the murder charge and $500,000 for obstruction of justice.  Lowe, 33, was issued a $500,000 bond after being charged with obstruction of justice.

Wilder was found inside a trash bag in the attic of the family’s Milo-Grogan home. Court records showed the coroner’s office determined Wilder died from “deep neck compression”.

Columbus police were called to the house around noon Friday by Wilder, records showed. They spoke with her and Lowe, with Wilder saying she last saw Martonio on Thursday night at bedtime.

Police issued a missing person’s advisory for Martonio but did not elevate it to an Amber Alert. They began a K-9 search of the neighborhood, after which Wilder and Lowe left without telling police where they were going, while also taking two of Wilder's other children, ages 9 and 3.

Martonio’s body was found Friday and a medic pronounced his dead about 6:30 p.m. An Amber Alert was briefly issued for the brothers, who were found safe and placed in the custody of Franklin County Children Services.

Arrest warrants followed Saturday for Wilder and Lowe. They turned themselves in by 5 p.m.

Franklin County Children Services said it had been involved with Wilder and her family since May 2022 but did not specify how.

Wilder and Lowe are scheduled to next appear in court July 9.