Mother charged with murder after 8-year-old boy found dead in attic

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — An 8-year-old boy is dead, and Columbus police say two women who are connected to his death are now in police custody.

The boy's mother Lashanda Wilder, faces a murder charge and a charge of obstructing justice in the case. Johnna Lowe faces a charge of obstructing justice.

Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant said Friday night that Wilder, 32, called police Friday around noon to report that her son, Martonio Wilder, hadn't been seen since he went to bed the night before.

Officers arrived at Wilder's home in the area of Olmstead and St. Clair avenues, and, a short time later, after gathering information, they started to believe "there may have been foul play involved," according to a statement from CPD early Saturday morning.

Court documents said Martonio Wilder was found dead in a trash bag in the attic of the home after 6 p.m., the statement said.

Documents also state that Martonio died by means of 'neck compression.' ABC 6 News is working on getting a full coroner's report for more details.

Then, several hours later, an AMBER Alert was issued for Wilder and her two other sons -- 9-year-old Mikhael Simon and 3-year-old King Wilder. They were found safe at a family member's home about 20 minutes after the alert was issued.

Lowe, 33, is suspected to be Wilder's partner. To Bryant's knowledge, Wilder has custody of all three children.

Officers say that Wilder and Lowe at one point became uncooperative during the search for Martino, and a police report states that Wilder did not want a K9 officer brought into her home.

Wilder's brother told ABC 6 News over the phone that his sister "is evil," and he says she has dealt with anger issues her whole life. He also says that her sons were happy and joyful when they were not around her.

Community members described Martonio Wilder as a sweet kid who loves animals.

It's sickening," neighbor Raymond Bircher said. "We see him everyday walking by and he was always by himself."

Bircher told ABC 6 that Martonio would often come to his house to see the kittens on his porch, and that he remembered seeing him in the neighborhood just days ago.

He should be right here playing," Bircher said, "but instead he's up in heaven."

Anyone with information on this case can call Columbus police at 614-645-2338.