CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — The mother of Somer Thompson is sharing her sympathies with the family of Lonzie Barton. Police said remains found in Bayard on Monday are believed to be that of the missing toddler.
Diena Thompson shares a sad history with the Barton family. Her 7-year-old, Somer, was kidnapped and murdered on the way home from school, the child's body also dumped like trash.
She told Action News Jax that the news is heartbreaking, but is grateful that everyone can have closure.
She said as a parent whose child has disappeared, it's very unnerving not knowing where they could be, but now she thinks there will start to be some answers for the community.
Monday was an emotional day for Diena Thompson. Her daughter Somer was abducted and killed in 2009 and on Monday, she watched as law enforcement combed through a wooded area on Jacksonville's Southside and found what they believe are the remains on 21-month-old Lonzie Barton.
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"When I see any other child missing, you can't help but be warped back to your own," Thompson said.
Officers who were at the scene described the remains to be left out like garbage.
"My child was found in the literal garbage," Thompson said.
Somer was found in a Georgia landfill. Thompson described the emotions that came back to her.
"When they use those words, when they use that verbiage, it makes it that much more back to your own situation," Thompson said.
Thompson said though it's tough to learn that possible remains of Lonzie have been found, she said there's also some slight comfort in knowing where he was.
"The baby deserves to be laid to rest properly," Thompson said.
Thompson has been very active in the community since Somer was found dead. She went to multiple vigils for Lonzie and believes the community will rest easier knowing they will soon get more answers about Lonzie.
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