Multiple US Mothers Charged in Children’s Deaths Amid Ongoing Trials

In multiple tragic cases involving the deaths of young children in Ohio, mothers have faced serious charges including murder and obstruction of justice. Ashley Johnson appeared in court after her 7-year-old non-verbal autistic son was found dead near their Dayton home, with bond set at $250,000; she is charged with obstructing justice. In Columbus, LaShanda Wilder pleaded guilty to murder and abuse of a corpse in the death of her 8-year-old son, Martonio Wilder, who was found asphyxiated and severely malnourished in their attic; she was sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility after 15 years. Wilder’s girlfriend, Johnna Lowe, also received a life sentence for her involvement, and Wilder’s mother pled guilty to obstructing justice. Authorities discovered Martonio's body wrapped in a trash bag, and the investigation revealed severe child abuse leading to his death. These cases highlight ongoing concerns about child abuse and neglect within families and the legal consequences faced by caretakers involved in such tragedies.