In the early hours of July 24th, 2015, a 21-month-old boy named Lonzie Barton vanished in Jacksonville, Florida. His mother's boyfriend told 911 that his car had been stolen with the toddler inside. The car turned up within minutes. Lonzie did not. 25 days later, his mother, Lana Barton, came to the sheriff's office to talk to detectives. By then, they had the boyfriend's night mapped almost minuteby minute. What they still needed to know was what Lana knew and whether she had told them the truth. But I'm ready to go home. >> Listen, do you understand what you read in my paper? Right. >> You don't get to go home. >> What >> did you hear? Did you ask me if that was a warrant sign for you? >> Yeah. >> That's was signed for you for child neglect. Yes. For >> child neglect. >> Yeah. It's not for It's not for hurting your child as far as this incident. >> So, I'm going to jail. >> Yes. Yes. And it's not Listen, it's not for this baby being hurt. The law looks at failure to do certain things as a violation of the law. Okay? It doesn't it doesn't distinguish between who did it. In other words, >> so so I'm going to jail because I left my baby with him. >> Lonzie Barton was 21 months old. His mother, 25-year-old Lana Barton, had moved with Lonzie and his 5-year-old sister into her boyfriend, Ruben Ebron's home at the Ravenwood Apartments in Jacksonville, Florida. On Thursday, July 23rd, Lana went to work and left both children with Ebron. At around 2:00 in the morning, Ebron called 911. He said his Honda Civic had been stolen with Lonzie in the back seat. Within minutes, officers found the car four blocks away. It was empty. An Amber Alert went out before dawn. Ibron's account did not hold. He was jailed on charges of child neglect and lying to police. On August 18th, Lana came to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office to speak with detectives. By then, they had surveillance video, phone records, and a timeline of Ebron's night. They also had questions about Lana herself, about a bruise on her son's head before she left him, and about the drugs Ebron sold from the home where her children lived. The recording picks up with the interview already underway. >> When you confronted him about this injury and he tried to throw it off on guess what? I already told you about that. >> Yeah. >> But he didn't. And if he can't explain it >> Mhm. >> And he's the one that was with him. >> Yeah. >> That to me. >> Well, honestly, if you want the truth, where my mind went with that was, well, I'm taking him to the doctor. >> Yeah. >> She'll tell me what happened. >> Yeah. >> You know what I mean? And in my own mind, I was thinking, let that [ __ ] say that that, you know, that this was a physical, you know, injury or something. And I was going to leave him if it would have been. >> Yeah. >> But I was going to leave that up to the doctor to, you know, tell me what happened. >> Mhm. >> Or, you know, tell me how it could, you know, the possibilities of it getting there. Could it have been an ear infection and it be that way or or what? Cuz none of my kids have ever been injured like that. >> Right. Well, >> so that that was going to be how I you know what I mean, >> right? >> Figured whether he had hurt my kid or not. >> Well, you're going to you're going to have um this is going to be everybody has their process. Even Ruben, you said, "How can we what do we do?" Everybody has their process. And I promise you, his lawyers are going to school him and they are going to blame you. >> So, do I need to get a lawyer? >> Are you asking me for this right now? for me or for him? >> No, I'm saying do I get a lawyer to >> Yes. At some point >> to fight >> to fight like to fight the allegations that they're probably going to try and make. I'm sure that the [ __ ] is going to try and >> he is going to >> put it off on someone and you're saying there's only two of us. So who is that leave? >> It does. And I'm not I'm not questioning you, okay? That's not where this is going. I want you to understand. >> That's what I'm saying. Do I need to go ahead and get a lawyer to kind of >> I can't tell you that. I I can't I can't give you that kind of legal advice. Okay? What I what I'm trying to get you to understand is not that whether you do or don't need a lawyer. >> What I'm trying to get you to say is as we're building this case on him, >> I defense I'm more than willing to do whatever you need me to. >> I believe you. His perfect defense is to blame you. Who else does he have to blame? Just like you. If we if we clear you, who else do we have? >> Really? >> So your shoulders, right? >> You're not going to argue with me on that one. >> No. Your shoulders are going to have to become very broad. Okay? >> Your shoulders are going to have to like the people throw this cheesy bread at you. >> I took it and walked away. >> I know there's going to be a lot of crap coming. Okay. Fair. I'm I'm putting it up front for you because I don't want you to be blindsided by this. >> Okay. So, >> that's why we asked you, did you do anything to hurt this baby? You've already answered. I don't need you to answer again. I'm telling you the focus of this in anybody's case they gota they're not gonna take the stand and go you're right I did it >> obviously >> so what >> you won't even give me the >> satisfaction of giving your baby >> my baby >> 100% that's [snorts] if you ever want to know the definition of selfish that right there is the definition cuz let me tell you what this little this was coward >> piece of [ __ ] >> let me tell you what this piece of [ __ ] coward could have done could have called crimes stopppers himself >> and told us where this >> he could have he could have [ __ ] called me to come home and get my baby if he was getting on his [ __ ] nerves. >> Yeah, you're right. >> I mean, there's a lot of things he could have done to keep my baby from even getting hurt. Period. He could have called my mom. She'd have [ __ ] come and got him. >> Your mom actually tried to call him that night to get the kids >> at almost 10:00. 2156 hours is not >> I know she called me at work and was like, "I need to call I need to talk to you." Right. >> And I was like, "Well, I'm working. I'll call you back." Right. >> And I did call her back, but it was later. >> Yeah. She was calling to get the kids. I think she probably told you that. She told us that today. That's when I I saw there was a call to him on his record and we talked about it and she said, "Yeah, she wanted to make arrangements to get the grandkids." >> Mhm. Yeah. I was going to give them to her Friday when we took to Money. >> Yep. So, I don't want this to be a surprise. I don't want you to get your get your little feelings hurting. >> Oh, they've already been hurt. It doesn't even matter right now. I'm just going to have to just like it open and do what I got to do to put him where he belongs. And that's that's what's going to come because as we present this case, we have as much work to do to prove or disprove about you as we do about him. >> Okay. >> And that's how that's what we've been doing. >> Okay. >> So your answers are as honest as they can be today. >> Yes. Okay. >> Is there anything he's told you that you haven't told us? >> Um, no. He's sticking straight to what he told you guys. I mean, he just he he told me um I told him straight up, you know, if there's anything that you you know, any just anything that you can give me that could that will leave lead me to my baby. >> You know what I mean? Just completely put you, you know, regard whatever. >> I won't even call them and tell them I will go find my baby. And he's fine. I wish I could give you the answers you want or that you need, but I can't. Um I don't I don't know. So he's just I guess >> selfish. >> Yeah. Looking for looking out for his own self. >> Absolutely. And there is any number. >> He won't tell me any [ __ ] thing other than the car got stolen with the baby in it and he didn't hurt him. Well, that's not [ __ ] helping me any. >> Nope. >> Not helping us either. >> This timeline narrows us down to comingings and goings. Is there ever a time where, and I know this is a broad question, but I'm I'm going to ask it the best way I know how, and then just give me your feedback. My phone is with me 24/7. Unfortunately, they call me all the time. Um, every now and again, I'll screw up in the morning and I have it on the charger and I walk off to leave it, but I go right back to the house and get it cuz this is my lifeline. >> I got a boss that calls me way too much and if I don't answer, he gets all pissed off. >> Okay. Okay. I don't know what his problem is, but needless to say, I don't leave my phone. All right. >> Does Reuben go away time to time intentionally leaving his phone inside the house? >> No. >> If Reuben went to the gas station, >> he would take his phone. >> If Reuben would ask my ass if I leave my phone, he can't get a hold of me. >> If Reuben went to the laundry mat, would he take his phone? >> So, if he left the house, he had his phone. He told me he had his phone. He watched a movie on it. She woke up while they while they were at laundry mat. He put a movie for it on his phone. Okay. >> So, I know he had it. He told me he did. >> That flip phone that he had, was that just his throw down that he didn't have a lot of minutes on or was that his dope phone? >> Um, I honestly don't know. I didn't really use it a lot and really didn't go in it. It was It was kind of like one of them little phones that were kind of off limits. I had my phone. I messed with my phone in my phone for the most part. >> I mean, I only used it. I used it one time and I ain't going to lie. I went through it. You know what I I wanted to know why I couldn't could never touch it or whatever. >> And [clears throat and laughter] um I thought like he was text off of it or something is where my mind went. But there was nothing in it before he let me hold it to go to my mom's. I guess he had you know deleted his [ __ ] out of it. >> Okay. >> So did he ever play with his phone as in not just to watch a movie or or you know how did she ever play games on it? >> For the most part he let her watch movies. I mean, I think there was a couple of >> on his on his cell phone cuz I'm not technology sound and so you can actually put a video on a phone and let her watch it. >> Okay. >> Did Did he do that regularly? >> Mhm. >> Okay. How about to play with it? Like I'm just going to play with this phone here. >> No, >> cuz it's not for a kid to play with, I would assume. >> Yeah. No. >> Okay. >> She does play with phones, right? >> Yeah. She will she will steal your phone. Did she ever take his on any time that you know he caught her? >> No. >> Left hers left his but got yours. >> Yeah, she played with my phone but there wasn't nothing no internet or nothing like that on my phone. So she really >> she couldn't call Alaska on your phone. >> Yeah. No, she really didn't like my phone, you know. So if she wanted to watch movie or something on it, she would ask her. >> Get him. Okay. And most I mean sometimes he would sit down and watch it with her, you know, like a foot of bed or whatever. They'd be sitting there watching like bloopers on Toy Story that I know they pulled up that one time, >> right? Anything else you can think of? >> Anything else you can think of? If I've left anything out, if I if sometimes I don't know all the right things to ask because I don't live in your life and I don't I wasn't there that Thursday. God knows if I was, we wouldn't be talking about this cuz I'd have said, "Little baby girl, that something's happened to your child." >> Yeah. Yeah. And I I just >> The last time that you saw him in the car, >> was he still acting cranky, tired? >> Yeah. He was about to fall asleep. I told him, I said, "Are you going to go straight home with them? He's tired." >> Yeah. >> And he told me, "Yeah, he's going to go home and lay him down." >> Mhm. >> Normal bedtime for him is normally what? I know you're at work. >> Not 8:30, 9:00. >> Okay. >> Does he give him a bath every day? >> No, not every day. He don't. I mean, he he never bathes. >> That's what you told me. There was uh the night of that you went to work that Thursday night. You said he did not You told him not to give her a bath, but he was going to get bath. >> Yeah. >> He said he was going to. I mean, I don't know >> if he did or not. Right. And now, has he said anything that I don't remember about that? Has he since then has he told you that he was had him in the bathtub that you remember? >> Mm-m. Okay. >> Now, I mean, I know that um they had asked me about the black sheet. >> Yeah, the one with the vomit on it. >> And how many days ago was that to the incident prior? >> Like a day or so. >> Yeah. Well, a couple days before that. But now, um I did get confirmation through that. Um cuz I heard they were he put her on speaker phone and uh told her that um she didn't need to bring kids back over there until he was better because they would just be giving that bug back and forth. >> Okay. [clears throat] That gray tank top that we looked at. Do you remember seeing him wear that? Maybe >> he wore it with Where's that picture of the room? >> With these shorts, them swimming trunks right there. >> Okay. >> The gray days. >> Yeah. earlier. >> Okay. Earlier in the day, you was wearing gray swim trunks >> after after Britney left and we had had that little argument or whatever in front of her. >> He was wearing that when we were there when she was there. >> Swim trunks. >> Yeah. That's what he that's what um he was in. >> Mhm. >> And um we we had sex and then he changed into the shorts and the white shirt and he wore that when he dropped me off. And >> and going back to that gray tank. Um so talking about the gray tank that white t-shirt pants on when I got on >> the gray tank. Um >> you ever see him in a black tank that night? >> In a black tank top. >> Mhm. >> Had a black tank top on with this. I knew he had a tank top on. Period. He had a he had a tank top on, but I couldn't swear with the gray one. Yeah. Talking about this this gray tank right here. So, you think he had that on with these shorts? Y'all had six and then he put on the khaki shorts. >> Mhm. >> Okay. Think he had this shirt on still? >> Don't if you don't remember. It's okay. >> Yeah. I I don't know. >> Okay. Now, that's >> because we took a shower. >> Okay. That's Thursday night. And if it I mean >> No, I don't I don't think so. >> Okay. >> He had to have changed back into it or something. >> Okay. So, that's we're talking about Thursday night before you go to work. How about Wednesday? Do you see him? Do you remember if he wore this or a gray tank top? >> I don't remember. >> Okay. The day that uh just got a little little bump on his lip, you wiped it up. Do you remember what that day was? Was it Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday? Was it that week? >> Mhm. Okay. A day or so before, two days before? >> Couple days. >> Okay. A little bit of blood, but that was it. You wiped it up. Did you ever see any more blood on his mouth? >> None. So, if you somebody were to pick him up and put him, there was should have been no blood on his mouth. >> Okay. >> No. Or there have been some on. >> Exactly. >> Okay. >> That's kind of where I was wanting to see if you would would pick up on. Give me a second. Let's talk a second and we want to get your mama. I know she's probably been pulling her hair out trying to figure out what's going on. And and as I said, I'm I'm going to bring her up to speed, too, with >> Can you Can we go through this? >> This is I know what I'll be done. >> Well, this is there's a lot that he's done. This is all just, you know, this is at the Kangaroo. >> This is at 0033 hours. >> That's midnight. >> That's the one that's on the Big Meadows Road on the corner. >> Yeah. >> Across from >> So why go get gas at this time? at 3:00 in the morning. >> No, no, that's 30. That's 12:33. >> Oh, I have no idea. >> You brought kids out or you left them at home to go get gas and he don't pick you up till what time? >> Two, right? Here's where he does laundry. >> Mhm. >> This is him on video doing laundry. You see the shirt he has on? >> Mhm. Same when I told you. >> Yeah. That's the shirt he has on. >> That's the outfit he changed into. >> Yeah. after, you know, >> there's him pulling in the parking lot. This is a video, but these are just still shots. You know, you can obviously see who this is. >> Yeah. >> Right. And this is 0146 hours. That's 1:46 in the morning, and he leaves out of there at 1:54. >> Okay. >> Mhm. >> Then it goes this way. You hear, "If not, Britney will bring me." >> Mhm. >> You call him. It's a missed call. He doesn't answer. >> Mhm. >> He texts you, "On my way. Did you get that money from her?" >> Mhm. >> 206. Same time period that he's telling you on my way. >> Mhm. >> Seen leaving Ravenwood Apartments. Captured on video. >> Okay. >> Okay. 207. He gets a text from me that says, "Okay." Cuz you're responding to >> Yeah. >> him. And then, yeah, this is you. 207. Okay. >> Yeah. The orange Honda Civic is seen passing this residence at 209. So it comes out at 206. He passes this. >> Tell me he's on on his way to come and get me. >> Right. >> But he's on his way to ditch that car. >> Exactly. >> Mhm. >> Right here at 211 is where he's seen running in the opposite direction. So the car goes this way past the house and he runs back that way. >> Okay. 211 he's seen running on foot in the opposite direction. I just read that. I'm sorry. 215. Now that's 4 minutes. >> Mhm. This is where he's seen walking back into the apartment captured on video again. Okay. >> Mhm. And this is where he's telling me that the phone died, >> right? And it and I'm not going to dispute that the the one phone was jacked up and he had to call from the other. No question. Okay. I'm not disputing that. Calls from a different phone and then he texts you. He's already called 911. >> No, he's on the phone. Um he's on the phone. When I call him back, >> asking him what the [ __ ] get a ride. I can hear him telling someone, "Hold on a second." Yeah. >> I didn't know he was on the phone with my wife. >> He was he was um this is where he receives another text from you. And I have the text messages. This was this was a reference for all of us to know what he did and when. >> Um then he gets a call from you. He gets a voicemail. And then this is at 2:29. He texts Daniel and says he's outside stolen. Car stolen. Police got me. Now this is him going past the car. Now again, this is a a copy of a copy. M >> but this is that time frame at 2:9. This is him going past the house in the car. Now it's 2:00, 209 in the morning in a residential neighborhood. >> Mhm. >> How many other cars pass it? >> Traffic. >> And remember at 206 we have him coming out of the complex. You know that's a low rider. When you go over the hump, you got to slow up to go over the hump. >> And when you come up, >> the light of the camera gets you a little bit better. It's not perfect. I'm not saying this is some great picture and it's clearly, you know, well, it's clearly him. It doesn't [ __ ] matter. It's right there. He's clearly here, >> right? >> And then this is him in the same DC shoes. M, >> the shorts, and he's carrying the shirt, but he's in the tank >> cuz he's running. >> Cuz he's running. This is past the same house. >> Even at night, it's hot. I ran in the daytime. I sweat my butt off. >> Yeah, [ __ ] >> Notice what the detectives just did. They didn't argue with Ebron's story. They laid it over the clock. At 2:06, his car leaves the complex. At 2:9, a camera catches it passing a house. At 2:11, a man is seen running back the other way, and at 2:15, he walks back into the apartment. Minutes later, Abron is on the phone with 911. In the detectives telling, the man Lana left her children with is on camera, ditching the car himself. Now, all some of this other stuff is just we took him from 3:00 in the afternoon. This is just easy stuff. Obviously, [ __ ] bag, picture of the car. And then we start identifying the timelines of this is his phone. These are all the people involved. Just people you >> Yeah, that's that picture. >> Yeah, that's her. That's the girl that called the drugs to. She used to date him, right? I don't know her. >> She's someone else he serves. >> That's the pill guy. >> Yep. >> Um I have seen him come to the house one time. >> Mhm. >> And I kind of put two and two together >> that night. He came to the house. >> He did. >> I didn't know that. >> There's a lot of things you don't know. >> Um this is um Lepita trying to get him to This is This is just messages and all. Um, this is just messages that that Listen, when I say we picked everything apart, you included. >> Yeah. >> Okay. But you see, your phone was at Wackos. >> Yeah. With me. >> Yeah. Right. Um, these are exactly the texts. This is that guy Paul. Okay. So, this is just him talking dope. These are just text messages. It starts getting real because you're still with him. These are this is stuff going on when you're still with him. This is this girl talking this pills. This is all talking about pills. This is pills. This is dope. This is this is his business. >> Okay. This is time frames. >> Mhm. >> This is Britney calling to see if you need a ride to work. >> Mhm. >> Okay. Does that make sense? >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> Here's where he drops you off. You're on video. He's on video. Then he starts getting texts from this guy. And so he drops you off and he calls her for pills. And then guess what? She calls him back. He gets the money. This is on video. >> So that's what he's pulling the money out for is for drugs. Yep. >> So he takes my kids out at 2:30 in the morning to go buy drugs from this stupid pregnant [ __ ] that shouldn't even be doing drugs at the beginning when she's [ __ ] pregnant. >> Yeah. And then it just goes in. This is just getting closer to this. He lies about where he's at when because Okay, keep in mind these phones are magic. >> Yeah. Every time they make a call or a text, like right now people are texting me. It's hitting on a tower as close as possible. >> Well, can you locate mine that was stolen? I'm serious. >> No, I can't. >> Because it has pictures of my baby on there. >> I wish I could, but they don't allow us to do it for those reasons. But this is a crime. >> You can't say that it was part of your >> I cannot lie. Cannot lie. >> Let me ask you something. This is very important to me. I want you to I want I want to take you to this time. Okay, >> I'm not saying and let me just put it out there in your in your we're talking um you know how you'd say the car ignition was jacked up >> and there were times that you would go to Windick store and you would leave it running cuz it's hard as hell to start back up. Okay, but you did not leave the kids in the car. >> [ __ ] that. >> Okay, and I agree with you. I'm with you. I'm not accusing you of that. Let's just say for the sake of argument that this is one of those rare moments. You got to get some Tylenol for the baby. You can't. There's nobody at home to watch him. You run to the CVS. You're going to Your car is within sight. You run in. >> I'm going to take him out with me. >> I know. I'm just I want I want you to I'm going to say to you now tell me what you'd say and I want you to fill in the blank. This is a fill in the blank game. All right. Work with me. Work with me. You're going to fill in the blank. I'm going to hand you my phone and I want you to tell me. I want you to pretend like this is what I'm going to say. You go to CVS, it's emergency, extenduating circumstances. You think to yourself, I'm just going to be in there a second. I know exactly where the children's Tylenol is. I'm going to go and take it to the counter. I can see the child. And all of a sudden, someone jumps in your car >> and your child's in the car. >> And your child's in the car. What's the first thing? How you going to do it? >> What's the first thing you're going to do? >> I'm going to [ __ ] yo, hey, someone stop that car. My kid's in it. And then I'm going to call 911. >> Okay, this is you pretend. What are you telling 911? Tell me right now. Your [ __ ] kid's gone. What? >> Uh, my car has just been stolen with my kid inside of it. >> How long did that take you? >> Not long at all. >> 3 seconds. >> Yeah, if that I mean if it I >> 31 seconds. Oh, I'm sorry. >> You're fine. >> 31 seconds is what it took that [ __ ] wagon. >> It took it that long he took to just come. >> Let me play it back for you. Yeah, my car has been stolen. Um, where you where you from, sir? Uh, 8030 Old King's Road. Okay. What kind of car, sir? Just like this. >> Okay. Well, why wouldn't you have already put in there that my child was inside of it? >> Just like this. Calm. >> Can you imagine the panic? The panic that would be in you? >> I would be flipping the [ __ ] out. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. >> If I let you hear this, it's going to make you sick. It's just like me and him are talking. I don't even need to hear it. >> Hey, and you know, >> okay, that's 31 seconds. That's how long I've been talking. And he just now said, "Oh, and my son's in the car." >> Yeah. And you know why he said it? Because the dispatcher told him, "So, basically, when you say your car has been stolen, they ask you some questions to get the officers in route, and then they need to know um some things about the make and the model and all, which he asked him cuz he hasn't said there's a kid in the car yet." >> That's what I'm saying. hadn't said there's a kid in the car yet. He's not even panic. He's like, "HEY, HEY, HEY, MY CAR'S BEEN STOLEN. MY CAR'S BEEN STOLEN." LIKE, HE'S MY CAR'S BEEN STOLEN. Even if there's nobody IN THE CAR, MY [ __ ] CAR JUST WENT DOWN TO BAY MEADOWS. GET THE [ __ ] COPS HERE. >> YEAH. >> Even with nobody in the car, would you not agree? >> I've been tripping the [ __ ] out. >> Tripping the [ __ ] out. Exactly. >> And had everybody else calling 911, too? >> 100%. Screaming your full head off. Okay. But we're having a calm conversation. >> I probably stole somebody's car. Just >> You know why it's cal? You know why it's cal? cuz the car ain't stolen >> and there's no baby in it. >> And there's no baby in it. So, here's the thing. Here's the thing. >> I got to make them believe it. >> Yeah. 31 seconds it takes him that um you know 31 seconds it takes him to say and it's because the dispatcher says here's what happens. They got to get your information, right? >> And then they're going to tell you common practice. We're going to check this towed vehicle file because sometimes people's [ __ ] gets um repoed. >> Repoed, >> right? So before we go send an officer to make a stolen vehicle, legally those people can repo your car. >> Yeah. >> So they don't want to put a stolen vehicle in the system with a tow truck driver going down the road. You know, that makes no sense. So the dispatcher told him, "I'm going to have to check this on the tow and storage list, sir." And he says, "And my son was in the back seat." Just like that. Oh, and my son was in the back seat. The dispatcher said, "Whoa, hold on. What? Say what? What' you say?" The dispatcher gets panicked. Your son was in it. Yeah, he's in the back seat. Not ever panicked at all. >> That would have been like the first part. >> Yeah. >> My car. I would have just said my kid just got kidnapped but someone stole my car. >> What's more important? The kid or the car? >> [ __ ] both. If my kid's inside the car, then that car is very important, >> right? >> Find that [ __ ] car and my kid in too. >> It wasn't important to him. >> Wasn't important to him. You know who else when he made his text? >> When he made his text to uh they do with him. I mean, where where in this point of time? I mean, you see where he's went? Where could he have went with him? There's a time frame. >> It's not adding up to me. >> See what he puts to Daniel? I'm outside. Car stolen. Police talking to me now. Do you see anywhere where it says missing? >> No. >> Do you see him say baby man's gone? What the [ __ ] do I do? That's what he sends him cuz it means no more to him. Cuz this is just a story. >> You think that Daniel knew? >> No. >> No. >> Well, who else says hell? >> It's just an example of how little it meant to him. >> Okay. Well, all the [ __ ] same of how little it means to him. You still need to figure out where my kid is. >> Absolutely. >> And we we already know where he's going. Yeah. >> Where's my kid? >> Mhm. >> That's why this timeline was important to us. That's why these pictures were important as to what was it like when you left? Because do we not now agree that there are things that weren't the way you left it? >> No. He went home and cleaned up. >> Yeah. So, no matter what. >> But what I can't figure is why how did he get around? You assume she was there? >> I don't I don't think >> well >> paying attention all the time, you know, watching TV. >> She's easy to describe. >> And you know what Daniel told us when he >> was she she probably watching TV with >> Yeah. >> probably playing the tablet and she likes >> she was when they got back to the house, there was a period of time that he was home just with the two kids. >> So, how did he get it past Daniel even? You're a grown ass man and you can't tell me you're inside this apartment and you ain't hear nothing happen to my baby and you just watched Ruben walk out the house with a bloody baby and everything. You're [ __ ] full of [ __ ] Someone's full of [ __ ] >> Listen, hold on. Hold on. No, >> that's not I mean that's not possible. I would know if someone was in the other room hurting a kid, >> but he wasn't there. Okay. >> Well, why would >> Daniel was when they got back from McDonald's? When Reuben and the baby got back from McDonald's is the McDonald's and the getting the ATM, he does go back to your house >> and he is there a couple hours alone before Daniel gets home. When Daniel comes home, he goes in his room, brings Lexi in his room cuz he thinks they're in there asleep. Well, hears him come in, goes to the room, knocks on the door, comes in at this point, and stays with Daniel for a while. But the baby's still there with with and >> we we that's that's something we're trying to decide. >> That's what I'm saying. I mean because I don't see how he would just if if any blood or anything like that happened to the baby, >> she would say it. >> And that's what I'm saying about Daniel. Think about that in the same room. Okay? If she saw it, she would say it. Same thing what Daniel would. Daniel is all about doing the right thing. It's not It has nothing to do with Daniel. And and to be honest with you, I don't think sometimes things happen and people can plan it out. This was not something he planned out. This [ __ ] just happened >> and he he had >> and he had to cover all this [ __ ] up. >> Well, he didn't do a very good [ __ ] job. >> Well, he's he thinks he's smarter than he is. He's what you're never smarter than is what? 30 people 30 people in science because when 30 good minds and there's there's 30 good minds in this office. When you take 30 good minds and everybody talks all the time and you're coming up with suggestions and you're coming up with what else can we do, you're trying to defeat 30 people that do this for a living. Really? You know the old saying there's never a perfect crime. There's not. >> There's just not. Because ultimately ultimately if there was a perfect crime, you dumbass would not have left this you dumb ass would not have left the freaking t the sheet with the blood all over it, would you? But [ __ ] was going too fast. >> He got into it. Yeah. >> You know why? Because you're texting him. Hey [ __ ] bag, are you on the way? >> Where are you? >> How am I going to explain? What am I going to do? >> What am I going to tell him when I come to get her and there's only one kid? Oops. >> What am I going to tell her? Well, [ __ ] I better think fast and get rid of this car. >> I better make it look like somebody else did it. >> And it ain't me. It's never me. >> Cuz if I turn her against me, she'll tell the cops. >> Yep. I'm telling >> what y'all were telling me what the [ __ ] >> No. What he's saying is if he told you Oh [ __ ] >> [ __ ] yeah. I would tell y'all. Y'all wouldn't have even had No, he he wouldn't be wouldn't be [ __ ] breathing. Am I going to hear from here on out? Am I going to hear um >> He's innocent. I love him. >> Yeah. >> No, [ __ ] that. >> At 11:00 tonight, are you going to wish him you love him and pray about him? >> That's over. >> God damn. I pray to God that he gives him the [ __ ] needle. >> It's a different prayer than you said a couple days ago. I just I don't know. I want to be sure. >> I just didn't see him being capable of hurting my kid. But now I see it very [ __ ] bad. >> If not him, The worst killers out there >> were the nicest people you'd ever want to meet. >> Yeah. Ted Bundy, nice guy. >> Many of them. They they they got their their way into you because of their kindness and their charms and then they had their fun, >> right? Look at Pete the pedophile. >> I mean, and do and but do you think that it was premeditated or do you think that he just lost his [ __ ] temper, hurt him? And >> you know, you know the only person that can tell us that? >> The person who's not talking. >> That [ __ ] coward. That's who. >> He's not going to man up. >> Put my brother in the room with him and just beat him to death. >> You know how many people in the [laughter] city have called us wanting 10 minutes in the room with him? >> My brother would. >> And listen, I want I want to I want to make you understand. >> He wouldn't need 10 minutes. My brother done told me if they'll give me the opportunity, he said, "You have two options. That's the speaker. I'll just break his [ __ ] neck right there and we can all be done with this. >> We're not getting the baby back anyways, but my brother's done." Hey, what's the [ __ ] matter? >> I want to make you understand that no matter what, all along I've looked at every avenue possible to include you because I had to. Nothing personal. >> Hey, if I had to if I hadn't have done anything, I'd deserve my ass to be right there. And I'd give I'd give my life for my baby for him to just have one more minute of his. >> This is the turning point of the first half. The detectives have played her the 911 call and pointed out that Ebron talks for 31 seconds before mentioning a child. They have reminded her of the bloodstained sheet left in the apartment. Lana's anger is now aimed squarely at Ebr, but listen to how the detectives frame it. From the start, they told her they had as much work to do on her as on him. That work is still going on. >> Mhm. >> Let me ask you a question. You know, everybody calls us and tells us what they think happened. >> And we've heard everything from uh was sold >> drug dealers. I heard that, too. >> Uh to pay a drug debt, um he was sold into slavery, all these different these scenarios and stuff. >> And some people have said that um Reuben had help. Somebody helped him. Somebody got rid of it for him. who several people have called us and told us he had friends that were close enough that they would have helped him. >> Who? >> That's what I'm asking you. >> Um, >> who do you think? All right, here here's here's a scenario and we go on different scenarios and we try to work it from all the different angles. I'm trying to think who would take that on that risk for him. >> If he killed him just in a fit of rage, he just lost it. He ever say anything like that to you? I just lost it. >> If he just lost it and and trust me, I can't count the times that people have been in this room where they didn't intend for the outcome to be what it was. They just lost their temper. >> And they struck out, not remembering that this is a child they're striking out at. >> And it's not another adult that you can hit and have the same result. You know, if you hit me that way, it might not hurt me that bad. But if you hit a child that way, it could kill the child. >> Right. >> Cuz their brain, their their skulls are softer and everything else. >> They're delicate. They're a baby. >> Yeah. So sometimes >> they're not even developed. if it's in a panic and then they kill the child or they hit the child and the child just goes out and doesn't wake up and stops breathing and they freak out. You know, I got to get rid of the child. I can't be seen with the child. I've got to pick up mom. I got to think of something. I got to think of something. I got to I got to make it look like something else happened. But what do I do with the child? What do What do I do with the child again? There was no phone calls made to anyone on his phone. >> What do I do with the child? What do I do with the child? Who can I, if I'm Reuben, who can I turn to for help? Who's the first person I can turn to? Somebody who will keep their mouth shut and will never say a word. >> I came up with another idea. >> What? >> Broke his bond here. >> You could take his bond away from here >> and send him to Money. >> Yeah. There's a lot of boys out there. Mhm. >> Yeah. I met a bunch of them >> that are in jail. >> Mhm. No, I met a bunch of them out there >> that work. >> They're searching. >> Yeah. No, just put him in jail. That's all you got to do. Lock him up in Baker. >> I'm serious. That's all you have to do. >> And he knows that, too. >> Yeah. >> That's why he won't bail out. >> Yeah. Cuz >> he already knows he's [ __ ] dead. You >> can do that, right? Right. Thanks for your water. I'll be right back. Let me go find out what she's doing. >> I'm ready to go. >> Okay. Let me find out what she's doing. I went and uh talk with your mom a minute like I told you I was going to. And uh I got some other people in here. I don't want y'all business to be out. I sat with your mom for a little while. um she wanted to see the the majority of the pictures that I showed you and I showed her. Okay. Um just to make sure that you know I'm I'm clear with both of you. Part of the reason we had to talk to her was to get her information as to whether she harmed the child, whether she was aware the child was harmed, whether the child gotten into any drugs. That was some of the allegations against her. Mhm. Okay. She's given me an answer to that and I'm satisfied with the answer. Okay. Some of the things that and and I cuz I don't want your mama to be surprised by this. Okay. Some of the common things that came out um [snorts] the knowledge of Reuben's drug business. Okay. Does that mean she harmed the child? No. There were some things that I'm sure that we would agree that probably weren't the the wisest of decisions that I'm sure she will learn from that occurred. And you two fighting over it probably isn't the greatest idea. More so [snorts] this is mostly the time to try to figure out where to go from here. Okay, does that make sense? There wasn't I'm trying to say she didn't always make the right decisions, but in my mind, she's done nothing to hurt this child. [snorts] >> If you think I hurt my kid, did you? >> No, I don't like the idea that >> she doesn't think that. >> I don't think that. If I did, I >> Well, why are you looking at me like that? If I thought he'd hurt my kid, I wouldn't have [ __ ] left him with him. And I and and you know that's >> I'm I'm hurt too just because >> Well, you're looking at me like I done something wrong. I didn't do anything wrong. I didn't know he was going to [ __ ] hurt him or I never left my kids with you. >> If I'm giving you a dirty look, I just >> She's just She's just She just saw these two. And so your reaction is one way, hers is another. Okay, does that make sense? Some people react differently. >> You know, I've never been a big crier. I cry sometimes. I cry alone. Sometimes I don't cry. I'm just, you know, you're >> Oh, I'm not I don't know. These are not heartbroken tears. These are the tears that I I gave up that opportunity while he was across this table from me. I would have choked the [ __ ] life out of him if I had known this thing. >> I'm just very very angry. [snorts] >> Well, I'm going do everything I can to get him put in Baker. >> Well, they give him the let the >> Let's do this. Let's let the process go where it's going. So, at this point, I want you both to understand. Um, we're going to continue to make this case. We work, as you know, with the state attorney's office daily. Mr. Manti, u Miss Corey, Miss Kite. >> Why didn't he just call me tell me, uh, I can't deal with your kid. I don't understand that. Nobody's Nobody knows that I've got one of my other grandkids all the time. >> Yeah, he knows that. because something happened that that caused something to happen. And >> she said she kind of feels like he just maybe just snapped and lost it. >> It's possible >> hurt like just went >> but you don't snap on in a baby like him. He was too sweet. Do you know when you know baby to start with but >> look at me. Do you know when my last >> my baby >> I know. Do you know when >> I know it's your baby but it's my baby. >> Lord have mercy Jesus. Okay. Thank you. My last baby death was Florida, Georgia this past year. That's just mine. There's 24 people in this office. To to try to understand why these men do what they do. I can't ever begin to explain it to you. There are all sorts of opportunities. >> Trust men. Did I tell you if I ever divorced your daddy, you would never have another man under my roof? Why was that? I don't trust men. You wonder how I ended up with one? Know your daddy since I was 14. He made his mistakes, but I told him I said, "You won't make them with me. You made them with your first wife. I've known you because my his sister >> daddy his his [snorts] wife and my aunt were sisters. So, I've known him all my life. I knew the mistake that he had made. I said, "You won't make that mistake with me." And he did time. >> I get it. But anyway, it wasn't do with nothing with children, >> right? >> It was good with children. Very good with children. >> Speaking of >> So, I believe that everybody deserved a second chance. But not, you know, not this kind of chance. >> Not being a murderer. Not on innocent baby. >> Nope. >> Not even a teenager. Not even a 5-year-old, fouryear-old, 10year-old. [laughter] >> I know. Lord, how do you talk? >> That was the sweetest baby. >> I know. Moments ago, a detective told Lana's mother that Lana had done nothing to hurt her son. What happens next is not a reversal. In Florida, child neglect can be a failure to act like failing to get a child medical care. According to police, Lana had seen a bruise on Lonzie's head, fluid from his ears, and repeated vomiting, and still left him with Abron that night. Police also said she knew Abron sold and kept drugs in the home and that she had given investigators false statements >> in talking with what cry. >> Mama, let her get done. Please let her get done. I'm ready to go home. >> Listen, you understand what you read in my paper? Right. >> You don't get to go home. >> What >> did you hear? Did you ask me if that was a warrant sign for you? >> Yeah. >> That's was signed for you for child neglect. Yes. For child neglect. >> Yeah. It's not for It's not for hurting your child as far as this incident. I'm going to jail. >> Yes. Yes. And it's not, listen, it's not for this baby being hurt. The law looks at failure to do certain things as a violation of the law. Okay? It doesn't it doesn't distinguish between who did it. In other words, >> so I'm going to jail because I left my baby with him. >> The baby had injuries, okay, on his head. Just like when your mama talked, if that baby has an injury on his head like that, you have to immediately get him care. >> Okay. Right or wrong? >> Yeah. >> Okay. [clears throat] So, I need a lawyer then. >> That's up to you. I can't I can't give you that information. >> Okay. Well, >> but I didn't see no He was not hurt when I had him. >> I believe that >> he was not. Oh, tell her I love him. >> She wants Listen, this I'm let I'm gonna let you sit in here with her, but when she asked for a lawyer, >> I want to >> I know you do, but when she asked for a lawyer, I have to >> all that. Uh, >> we can talk, >> we have to talk out there because when she asked for a lawyer, I got to respect that charge with I guess she can tell me >> and I'll tell you that in front of in front of her. It's definitely like I explained, it's child. >> What What level of child? >> It's a thirdderee felony. What degree is that? That's the lowest. >> That's the lowest. I don't know nothing about law. >> That's basically saying I made a poor decision, >> right? >> And it's not a hard time. >> Absolutely. >> But you do time. >> Well, >> I can't get off on that. >> Let's Let's let that Let's let that >> I'm trying to I'm trying Well, I'm saying first degree is worst. >> Second degree is not so bad. >> Third degree is really really not that bad at all. >> She's right. This is just for for them to cover their own ass basically to like get a lawyer and >> it's a process. Yeah. >> You're not you're not as a parent allowed to do certain things. It's it's considered a >> even though I was going to take him the very next day to the doctor. I should have took him right then is what they're saying. >> Would you not agree with that head injury with a bruise behind his ear? >> He had that bruise. Remember I told you he had a bruise. They're saying because he had that bruise and I didn't take him right then. And the red mark on his face. >> Yeah, but it didn't cover his face like that other make it out to her. >> No, I didn't say that. [snorts] >> Small red mark. Small red mark and a bruise behind his ear. >> In the state of Florida, that would >> I thought it was an ear ache. I thought it was ear infection. Apparently, he had no red mark on his face. >> I agree with you, but this is Thursday right before this happened. This is the start of this incident. Okay. >> Yeah. On Monday, he did not just I should I should get RNR if if anything hopefully. Well, the baby was not harmed on Monday. I can tell you that. >> Okay. Well, then we're talking about Thursday. I didn't harm him. That's why it's a third degree. >> To keep from asking her questions, I don't want her to violate her rights. I'm going to let you talk with her a minute and then we can talk outside, but she's asked for a lawyer and I don't want to violate her rights. So, that means I can't ask her any questions. And by us talking, I'm afraid that that might happen. Is that fair enough? So, I'm going to >> If you're going to talk to her, you got to talk to her out there. >> Okay. Can I ask you one question? No. Uh, no. >> No, you can you can ask me all that you want. I just can't >> answer questions. It's okay. I don't I don't mean you not to be speaking. >> Well, I mean, I'm just saying I want No, I want to ask her something legally. Well, you can ask her out there. >> Probably a good idea. >> Okay. >> Probably a good idea. Let me give you a minute to talk with her because I want you guys to have a second and then I >> You see them pictures? >> Yes. Yes. She Listen, I feel certain and I'm going to say this in front of you now. I feel certain that she understands what happened. Who did this? I I your mama asked me if I thought I got through to you. I would say the answer is yes. >> [ __ ] yeah. >> I would say even now even now knowing that this is a process for you too. I would still say you are clearly understanding what went on. >> I got the picture when you leave your kid with somebody and they don't have your kid when you turn. They're responsible for your kid. >> Well, I don't want to violate her rights anymore. Then >> you need to talk to her outside. Mom. >> Okay. >> Did you talk to me? >> But do you want me to give you a minute with her? I'll give you privacy. Just tell her to knock on the door and I'll come get her. Okay. >> I'm going to um look for a lawyer tomorrow. I will they'll send me several and then I'll meet with a couple of them. >> Until I don't know why he done that to our baby. >> I don't know either. But it's just like I said no toleration. >> I won't be in here long. I won't be I won't be in jail long. a thirdderee felony is the least charge they can give you. >> No, >> they're giving me the very very lowest one that they can. I told my mom the way down here that this was probably going to happen. But she didn't believe me. >> But I told her, you know, in all reality, I left him with it. >> So, I knew there would be some form of child neglect somewhere. >> But they I really didn't think that it was like an ear infection or something. I didn't think that he heard. and he was going to the doctor the next day >> and I actually had already told him, "Well, if you did, you can say you didn't, but if you did, you know, you you're saying you don't know how it got there, but the doctor will tell me how it got there." >> So, you know what I mean? >> Yeah. >> Do you need anything? >> Okay. >> If you do, just knock on my door. >> Okay. How long will it be before >> It won't be long >> before they come and get me? >> It won't be long. And if there is nobody in this building that will give me a cigarette before I go. >> Um I don't know if anybody has any. I'll see. And >> my mom has them, but if she's not gone, >> hers are in the car across the street. But let me take you to the bathroom. >> Mhm. >> And then um when they get ready to walk you over, I'll see if somebody has a cigarette. >> Okay. Yeah, cuz that's like just my one request. >> I don't know. I mean, nobody in our office smokes. So >> that night, Lana Barton was taken to jail, charged with child neglect and giving false information to police. Lonzie was still missing. In November 2015, the state attorney's office released this interview. On January 6th, 2016, Lana pleaded guilty. Prosecutors said the only concession in her plea was that she would testify, and she did, against Ruben Ebron at a pre-trial hearing. Days later, on the eve of his trial, Ebron led investigators to a wooded area in the Bayard neighborhood. On January 11th, Lonzie's remains were found in a trash pile. Ebron told prosecutors that Lonzie drowned in a bathtub while he and Lana were together in a bedroom after they had shut the little boy out of the room. Prosecutors said Lana had not given a similar account. The medical examiner could not determine a cause or manner of death, but documented eight ribb fractures before death and at least two skull fractures near the time of death. Ruben Abron pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter of a child along with charges including lying to police and tampering with evidence. In February 2016, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison. On March 4th, 2016, Judge Mark Burllo sentenced Lana Barton to 5 years for child neglect, a thirdderee felony, and one year for giving false information to be served at the same time. Later that month in neighboring Baker County, she pleaded guilty to four drug felonies and received seven more years to begin after the first sentence ended. An appeals court upheld that sentence in 2019. Lana Barton was released on November 26th, 2025. Ruben Abron remains in a Florida prison. Lonzie Barton was 21 months old. For nearly 6 months, a city searched for him and the people who loved him waited for answers that in many ways never fully came. He deserved care, safety, and adults who put him first. He is remembered. If you value carefully structured, fact-checked interrogation analysis, subscribe to Evidence Interrogation Lab, like the video and share your thoughts respectfully in the comments. Thank you for watching.