Judge accepts Ruben Ebron's guilty plea in Lonzie Barton's death

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The man suspected in the disappearance of Lonzie Barton appeared in Duval County Court Friday and entered a guilty plea in relation to his death.

Ruben Ebron's attorney said they signed plea agreement Friday morning for aggravated manslaughter, where he faced 20 years in prison.

Prosecution said they are satisfied with this sentence and plea agreement. Ebron told the judge he is guilty of the charges.

The hearing comes after a body believed to be that of Lonzie was found in January. However, officials haven’t confirmed the identity of the body.

The prosecution said they are confident the remains recovered are of Lonzie.

Prosecution said the autopsy for the body believed to be Lonzie has been completed, cause of death undetermined.

The The prosecution said Ebron and Lonzie's mother, Lonna Lauramore Barton, denied medical attention for Lonzie. Lonzie was found face down in a tub of water, attorneys said.

The judge accepted the plea deal. Ebron was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Lonzie disappeared on July 24 and Ebron initially claimed his car was stolen with him inside. However, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office released a video that showed Ebron leaving his Honda Civic near the Southside apartment complex.

Ebron's attorney read a statement saying Ebron apologizes to his family and Lonzie's family.

Ebron also said Lauramore Barton was involved in what happened to Lonzie Barton.

The judge said only Ebron knows how much truth is in that statement.

Lauramore Barton pleaded guilty in January to the charges involved in her son's death. She hasn't been sentenced.

Lauramore Barton was transferred to the Baker County jail on Wednesday where she faces unrelated drug charges.

Cox Media Group