Parents attend toddler’s burial before heading to prison

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) – A Florida toddler who went missing last summer and was later found dead has been laid to rest.

The Florida Times-Union reports that 21-month-old Lonzie Barton was buried in a private ceremony Tuesday in Glen Saint Mary. Baker County Sheriff Joey Dobson confirmed the boy’s parents, Christopher and Lonna Barton, were allowed to attend before heading to prison. Both were recently sentenced on multiple drug counts.

Lonzie Barton was reported missing in July. Authorities searched unsuccessfully for him for months before Lonna Barton’s ex-boyfriend led them to the child’s remains in January. William Ruben Ebron Jr. pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter and received 20 years.

Ebron said the child drowned in a bathtub while Ebron and Lonna Barton had sex. Lonna Barton pleaded guilty to a neglect charge.

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