Ruben Ebron: 'By far the worst experience of my life'

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The man convicted in the death of Lonzie Barton wrote a letter dated May 2.

The neatly handwritten letter by Ruben Ebron was in response to questions from Action News Jax reporter Bridgette Matter.

What happened to Lonzie?

Ebron goes into detail about what he says happened the night Lonzie disappeared.

“Witnessing Lonzie die, was by far the worst experience of my life. Haunting – yes,” Ebron wrote. “But I doubt it will ever leave the forefront of my mind.”

Ebron went on to say that contrary to what the prosecutor said in court on Feb. 5, Lonzie was given CPR and he started breathing again. He had a seizure and then rapidly went downhill. Ebron said he then continued CPR to no avail.

Matter asked him what was going through his mind when he dumped Lonzie’s body in a wooded area in Bayard, he said, “Your question of why did it happen … 'the after,' I can’t answer.”

Ebron said towards the end of the letter, that he and Lauramore Barton were working together throughout Lonzie’s investigation.

“Of course, Lonna and I both know what’s up and have remained quiet for obvious reasons. But, sometimes things are better left unsaid… at least for now,” Ebron wrote.

He went on to say that, “My family can point fingers at Lonna and her family can point fingers at me -- it’s childish. That’s not going to change a thing. Me and Lonna are adults and both covered for each other. Our families were naïve and clueless.”

Ebron said, “I’m pretty sure with time, it will get easier. But, for now it’s still painful and hard to deal with.”

Ruben Ebron’s and Lonna Lauaramore Barton’s relationship

Lauramore Barton and Ebron are both in jail and according to the letter, the two are still in touch.

“When it comes to my relationship with Lonna -- yes, I still love her,” Ebron wrote. “We have talked a few times since the beginning of January.”

Ebron said the two have written letters, some getting through and some getting confiscated.

Ebron also wrote about seeing Lauramore Barton in the Baker County Jail, and how she would be excited to see him.

He explains that she is the one person he wants to see and talk to more than anyone.

“I miss Lonna and our kids more than anything,” Ebron wrote.

What happens next?

Matter asked Ebron what’s next for him after his prison sentence ends. He is serving a 20-year prison sentence for his role in the death of Lonzie.

He said his mind is continually spinning and that he’s taking one day at a time.

Ebron then writes about what prison is like. He said prison is far from “Cheers,” but everyone knows his name.

“When someone calls my name, I stare and wonder where I know them from or if I even knew them at all,” Ebron said.

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