Father of Ruben Ebron believes he panicked

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The family of Ruben Ebron spoke after he was sentenced to prison for aggravated manslaughter in the death of Lonzie Barton.

“It’s heartbreaking to hear what happen, but I’m glad we got somewhat closure to this thing,” said William Ebron, Ruben's father.

A judge sentenced Ebron to 20 years in prison Friday after he pleaded guilty.

William and Wanda Ebron have stood next to their son. They’ve showed up to all of Ebron’s court appearances.

“That sentencing, I don’t care about,” said William Ebron. “They have to come to terms with their maker.”

William Ebron said he believes Ebron panicked, and that's what led to the lies after Lonzie's disappearance.

Lonzie disappeared on July 24, 2015. The body believed to be Lonzie’s was found in January.

William Ebron said his son should have come clean from the beginning and that the months that has passed has caused both families grief.

"I have to accept it now, but I hate it,” William Ebron said. “It's something that baby did not deserve."

The autopsy was completed, but the cause of death wasn’t determined, according to the prosecution.

“This whole situation is disappointing,” William Ebron said. “There’s nothing that makes it more disappointing. There is a child that’s gone. Lonzie Aaron Barton is not here, so that’s what tugs at my heart.”

William Ebron also apologized to the families for Ruben’s involvement. He said they are now linked forever, and “my prayers go out to them.”

Cox Media Group