Toledo, Ohio — An Ohio mother will spend at least 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of her 7-year-old son, who was found severely malnourished and weighing just 19 pounds when authorities discovered his body in their Toledo home.
Samantha Hardiman, 30, was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the death of her son, Kristopher Snyder, according to the Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office. Earlier this month, Hardiman pleaded guilty to murder as part of a plea agreement.
Under the deal, five additional charges — including involuntary manslaughter and endangering children — were dismissed.
“The child was found extremely emaciated and alone in a playpen,” investigators reported after responding to the home.
Police discovered child severely malnourished
Authorities were called to a home in the 1700 block of Freeman Street in Toledo on June 2, 2023, where they found Kristopher dead inside a playpen.
Officers said the child appeared severely underweight with pale skin, prompting immediate concern about neglect.
A medical examiner later ruled the boy’s death a homicide caused by malnutrition and dehydration.
The report also noted that Kristopher suffered from cerebral palsy and epilepsy, conditions that required ongoing medical care.
“The cause of death was determined to be malnutrition and dehydration associated with cerebral palsy.”
Child reportedly had no in-person medical care for years
During the investigation, authorities learned that the child had not seen a doctor in person for approximately four years.
Instead, officials said Hardiman relied on telehealth appointments rather than bringing the child in for direct medical care.
Investigators also discovered large amounts of food inside the home, raising further questions about how the child became so severely malnourished.
Police also reported finding alcohol and marijuana in the residence, along with evidence that the windows had been painted black.
“Prosecutors said the windows were painted black to hide the living conditions inside the home.”
Prosecutors say help was available
Lucas County Prosecuting Attorney Julia R. Bates said the child had access to programs designed to help him with feeding and muscle development.
Those services included free therapy opportunities that could have helped him learn how to eat and sit upright.
According to prosecutors, Hardiman failed to pursue those options or obtain medical treatments such as a feeding tube.
“Instead of accepting help, she neglected her son and left him alone in a room,” Bates said.
Child weighed less than a typical toddler
When authorities documented the child’s condition, they found he weighed just 19 pounds.
Medical experts note that 19 pounds is significantly less than the average weight of a healthy one-year-old child, making the case particularly disturbing given the boy’s age.
Kristopher was 7 years old at the time of his death.
Boyfriend also facing charges
Hardiman’s boyfriend, Joshua Mulvey, 29, has also been charged in connection with the child’s death.
Prosecutors say Mulvey lived in the home with Hardiman and the child for about two years before the boy died.
He faces involuntary manslaughter charges and is scheduled to go on trial May 12.
Authorities argue that because he lived in the home, he had a basic duty to ensure the child’s nutritional needs were being met.
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Mulvey has pleaded not guilty through his court-appointed attorney.
“I do not think I should be here in the first place, but that’s for another day,” Mulvey told the court.
Parole possible after 15 years
Under Hardiman’s sentence, she will be eligible to apply for parole after serving 15 years.
However, prosecutors say they plan to oppose any early release.
The case has drawn widespread attention due to the child’s condition and the circumstances surrounding his death.
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