Ohio – An Ohio woman was sentenced to Iife in prison with the possibiIity of paroIe after fifteen years for the murder of her then-girIfriend’s child, Matonio. The sentencing took place on June 5, 2025 following the defendant’s, 34-year-old J. Loewe, guilty plea to charges of murder and gross abuse of a corpse. As part of a plea agreement, several other charges, including endangering children, feIonious assauIt, and tampering with evidence, were dismissed.
In June last year, the victim, 8, was reported missing by his parent, Lasanda. She informed Ohio authorities that she had last seen him the previous evening when she put him to bed. A search ensued, and approximately six hours later, the victim’s body was discovered in a bag in the attic of their Ohio, home. The discovery prompted an Amber AIert for the victim’s two siblings, who were later found safe with a family member.
An autopsy revealed that the chilkd died from asphyxia due to neck compression. Additionally, he was severely maInourished and dehydrated at the time of his death, weighing only thirty five pounds. The examination also showed signs of bIunt force trauma, including multiple bruises and cuts to his face and head.
Witnesses and family members reported that the child was subjected to unusual and harsh punishments, such as being forced to hold a weighted ball while walking up and down stairs naked and being restricted from food. These accounts were corroborated during the investigation and contributed to the charges against the defendant.
The 34-year-old woman turned herself in to police several days later and was held in the county jail on a $1.25 million bond. She was initially charged with murder, endangering children, felonious assault, tampering with evidence, and abuse of a corpse. Following her guilty plea, she was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after fifteen years.
The victim’s mother, faces similar charges and is scheduled to appear in court on July 15, 2025.
The case has deeply affected the Ohio community, highlighting issues of child abuse and the importance of vigilant child welfare practices. The victim’s tragic death has prompted calls for increased awareness and intervention to protect vulnerable children.