Toledo Woman Sentenced to 15 Years for Starving Special Needs Son

Samantha Hardiman pleaded guilty to murder for leaving her 7-year-old son to die alone, weighing only 19 pounds

Mar. 18, 2026 at 2:25am

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Samantha Hardiman, a 30-year-old Toledo woman, has been sentenced to at least 15 years in prison for the death of her 7-year-old special needs son, Kristopher Snyder. Authorities found Kristopher deceased and extremely emaciated, weighing only 19 pounds, after Hardiman concealed his living conditions and failed to provide him with proper care and nutrition. Hardiman pleaded guilty to murder, with prosecutors indicating they will oppose her release.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of child neglect and the failure to provide adequate care for vulnerable individuals with special needs. It raises questions about the availability and accessibility of support services for families dealing with the challenges of raising a child with disabilities, as well as the need for stronger oversight and intervention to prevent such horrific outcomes.

The details

Authorities discovered Kristopher's body in a playpen in the Toledo home he shared with his mother, Samantha Hardiman, and her boyfriend, Joshua Mulvey. Investigators determined that Kristopher's last in-person medical appointment was in 2019, and that Hardiman had chosen to use telehealth appointments instead, while also painting the home's windows black to conceal the living conditions. Despite ample food, alcohol, and marijuana being found in the home, Kristopher was left alone and severely malnourished, ultimately dying from malnutrition and dehydration associated with his cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

  • On June 2, 2023, the Toledo Police Department learned about a deceased child inside a Toledo home.
  • On June 2, 2023, responding officers found Kristopher deceased and alone in a playpen.
  • On March 18, 2026, Samantha Hardiman was sentenced to at least 15 years in prison for the death of her son.
  • On May 12, 2023, Joshua Mulvey is slated to go on trial for involuntary manslaughter.

The players

Samantha Hardiman

A 30-year-old Toledo woman who pleaded guilty to murder for leaving her 7-year-old special needs son, Kristopher Snyder, to die alone and severely malnourished.

Kristopher Snyder

Hardiman's 7-year-old special needs son who was found deceased, weighing only 19 pounds, after being left alone and neglected by his mother.

Joshua Mulvey

Hardiman's 29-year-old boyfriend who is charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Kristopher's death and is scheduled to go on trial.

Julia R. Bates

The Lucas County Prosecuting Attorney who stated that Hardiman had numerous free therapy opportunities available to help Kristopher but instead neglected him.

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What they’re saying

“The defendant had numerous free therapy opportunities available to help Kristopher develop the muscles he needed to eat and sit up. Instead of accepting that help or providing a feeding tube, she neglected her son and left him alone in a room.”

— Julia R. Bates, Lucas County Prosecuting Attorney

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on whether to allow Samantha Hardiman to be released on parole after she serves a minimum of 15 years in prison. Prosecutors have indicated they will oppose her release.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the critical need for greater support and resources for families caring for children with special needs, as well as stronger oversight and intervention to prevent such horrific instances of neglect and abuse. It serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerability of those who rely on the care of others and the importance of ensuring their basic rights and wellbeing are protected.