COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — We now know the cause of death of an 8-year-old Columbus boy. Police say they found Martonio Wilder in a garbage bag in the attic of his single-family home.
His mother is now behind bars for murder.
According to the indictment, the 8-year-old’s body was found with injuries “deep in the neck area.” His death was ruled a manslaughter.
Family and friends told ABC 6/FOX 28 News they are still in shock.
Close friends say the child was outgoing and always tried to make people laugh. They say they still can’t comprehend Martonio’s death.
In a confidential atmosphere, they gathered again at his home on Saturday for his memorial service, with flowers, candles and some of his favorite toys.
After nearly 24 hours on the run, Martonio’s mother was charged with murder. She and another woman wanted in connection with the case turned themselves in to police on Saturday evening.
Lashanda Wilder and her partner Johnna Lowe both turned themselves in separately after fleeing from Columbus police.
Officers began searching for Martonio after his mother claimed she had not seen her son since he went to bed Thursday night.
According to police, Wilder and Lowe were uncooperative during part of the search because Wilder did not want a sniffer dog entering her home.
Police reports indicate that officers found the boy in a garbage bag in the attic at 6:20 p.m. Friday night. At that point, Wilder and Lowe reportedly left the scene without telling officers.
An Amber Alert was briefly issued for Wilder’s two other young children, but it was lifted after the children were found unharmed.
Both women are currently in the Franklin County Jail. Wilder is charged with murder and obstruction of justice, and Lowe is also charged with obstruction of justice.
