JSO: Lonzie believed to be shoved away, drowned in bathtub

The man who pleaded guilty in relation to the death of Lonzie Barton said he found the toddler in a tub of water.

Ruben Ebron told officials that Lonzie’s death was accidental and he drowned in a bathtub. He then dumped body off Philips Highway and staged an abduction.

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Chief Tom Hackney said Lonzie was turned away by Ruben Ebron and Lonna Lauramore Barton around the time of his death.

Ebron and Lonna Lauramore Barton turned Lonzie away, closed the door as they were involved in sexual relations, according to Ebron’s statement.

Hackney said according to what officials learned the water was drawn for him in the bathtub.

Ebron told officials Lauramore Barton knew about Lonzie when she left for work.

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

An autopsy was completed, however the cause of death was not determined.

A judge sentenced Ebron to 20 years in prison on Friday for the charge of aggravated manslaughter.

Lauramore Barton pleaded guilty in January to charges of giving false information to police and child neglect. She hasn’t been sentenced.

Ebron said in a statement to the court on Friday that Lauramore Barton was involved in what happened to Lonzie Barton. However, the judge said only Ebron knows how much truth is in that statement.

Cox Media Group