A little over 10 years after the death of 21-month-old Lonzie Barton, his mother, Lonna Barton, was released from prison Wednesday after serving time on child neglect and drug charges.

Lonzie’s disappearance gripped the Jacksonville community after the toddler was reported missing in July 2015 by Lonna’s then-boyfriend, William “Ruben” Ebron.

But Ebron’s report that his car was stolen with Lonzie inside was part of a ruse to cover up the child’s accidental death, investigators later learned.

Months of searching ended in January 2016 when Ebron led investigators to a wooded area off Interstate 295 in Bayard as part of a plea deal with the State Attorney’s Office.

Both Ebron and Lonna Barton pleaded guilty to charges in connection with Lonzie’s death, and Ebron continues to serve his 20-

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