News Summary
This week marks ten years since the heartbreaking case of 21-month-old Lonzie Barton, who went missing and was later found deceased in Jacksonville, Florida. Under the care of his mother’s boyfriend, Ruben Ebron Jr., Lonzie was reported missing after a supposed car theft. Ebron ultimately led authorities to Lonzie’s remains after a long search process. This tragedy highlights the importance of vigilance in child welfare and the necessity of mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse in Florida.
Jacksonville, Florida – Thursday marks a somber milestone, as it has been ten years since the tragic death of 21-month-old Lonzie Barton, a case that has remained a poignant reminder of the need for child protection. Lonzie was reported missing from an apartment located on the Southside of Jacksonville in the early hours of July 24, 2015. At that time, he was under the care of his mother’s boyfriend, Ruben Ebron, Jr..
Ebron initially claimed that his vehicle was stolen with Lonzie inside, which prompted an Amber Alert and initiated a significant search effort involving law enforcement and volunteers. However, his account of events evolved multiple times during the investigation, raising red flags and leading to a near six-month search for the missing toddler.
Investigators conducted extensive searches, combing through thousands of acres and various bodies of water trying to find any clues regarding Lonzie’s whereabouts. On January 11, 2016, Ebron, as part of a plea deal, directed investigators to Lonzie’s remains, which were subsequently discovered hidden beneath a stack of tires in Bayard.
In court, Ebron confessed that Lonzie had drowned in a bathtub while he and Lonzie’s mother, Lonna Barton, were in another room. An autopsy revealed that Lonzie had suffered ribs and skull fractures prior to his death. Ebron was subsequently sentenced to 20 years in prison for aggravated manslaughter of a child, child neglect, false statements to law enforcement, and tampering with evidence. Lonna Barton, for her role in the events leading to Lonzie’s demise, served five years in prison for child neglect.
As the anniversary of Lonzie’s death approaches, Randell Alexander, chief of the Division of Child and Protection & Forensic Pediatrics for UF Health’s First Coast Child Protection Team, emphasized the importance of reporting any suspicion of child abuse. Florida laws mandate that all adults act as mandatory reporters of child abuse. This requirement serves to protect vulnerable children from potential harm.
Resources for reporting suspected child abuse are readily available in Florida, including the Florida Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873. Similarly, Georgia residents can reach out to the Georgia Child Abuse Hotline at 1-855-422-4453. Other organizations also offer guidance and support for parents who may be struggling with stress and challenges related to their caregiver responsibilities.
Lonzie Barton’s heartbreaking story underscores the critical need for vigilance in child safety and the responsibilities that adults hold in protecting children from harm. As society reflects on this tragic case, it serves as a call to reinforce the importance of speaking up and acting swiftly when it comes to the welfare of children.
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Additional Resources
- First Coast News: 10 Years Since Lonzie Barton’s Murder
- Wikipedia: Child Abuse
- News4Jax: Lonzie Barton – One of Jacksonville’s Biggest Missing Child Cases
- Google Search: Lonzie Barton Murder
- People: Remains Believed to be of Florida Toddler Lonzie Barton Found
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
- KARE 11: Ruben Ebron Gets 20 Years in Lonzie Barton’s Death
- Google News: Lonzie Barton
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
