Police Pursued Leads in Missing Toddler Case, Only to Discover a Hoax Concealing a Disturbing Crime

In 2015, Florida authorities conducted an extensive search for 21-month-old Lonzie Barton, only to discover that the story of his abduction was fabricated. Lonzies remains were found in January 2016, 172 days after he was reported missing, buried under a pile of discarded tires following directions from William Ruben Ebron.

Lonzies mother, 35-year-old Lonna Lauramore Barton, who admitted to child neglect and providing false information to police in January 2016, was released on parole on November 26, according to Florida VINE records. Her boyfriend, Ebron, continues to serve a 20-year sentence for his role in the boys death.

On July 24, 2015, Ebron called police around 2 a.m., claiming that his car had been stolen from an apartment complex with Lonzie inside. Officers located the abandoned car within 20 minutes, but the toddler was missing, triggering an extensive investigation as authorities followed multiple leads and sightings.

Just over a day after the report, Jacksonville Sheriffs Office Chief Tom Hackney indicated that Ebrons account of the car theft was likely false. Months later, Ebron admitted to detectives that Lonzie had drowned in a bathtub while he and Barton were engaged in sexual activity. Security footage later confirmed that the staged car theft was a setup.

As part of a plea deal, Ebron guided police to Lonzies remains in a wooded area near Interstate 295 in January 2016. Due to severe decomposition, the exact cause of death could not be determined, but Ebron stated that Lonzie drowned while being left unattended in a bathtub. An autopsy later revealed multiple rib and skull fractures prior to his death.

Ebron pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter of a child, child neglect, lying to police, and evidence tampering. His 20-year sentence, combined with additional time for drug offenses, is scheduled for release on September 28, 2037.

Barton was sentenced in Duval County to five years for child neglect and lying to police, followed by a seven-year drug-related sentence in Baker County, to be served consecutively. She is currently under supervision after her recent release.

Wanda Ebron, the mother of William Ebron, expressed that her sons actions were a grave mistake intended to conceal the toddlers death, not to harm him. She recalled Lonzie fondly, remembering him with blonde hair, blue eyes, and cowboy boots.

Wanda Ebron also commented on the sentencing disparity, noting that if her son had panicked and acted alone, his term might have been longer, but it should not have exceeded Bartons by ten years.

Lonzies father, Chris Barton, was arrested on drug charges after the boys burial and later released in 2018. Custody of Lonzies older sister was maintained by her grandmother as of the last available reports.

Author: Sophia Brooks