Jacksonville

Church Holds Vigil for Missing Jacksonville Toddler

Investigators say they believe the remains found Sunday in a ``garbage heap'' near the church are those of 21-month-old Lonzie Barton.

Congregants of a Jacksonville church held a vigil in memory of a missing toddler after authorities said remains found near the church last week may belong to the boy.

Investigators say they believe the remains found Sunday in a ``garbage heap'' in a wooded area near Julington Baptist Church are those of Lonzie Barton. The 21-month-old boy was reported missing in July.

No cause of death has been determined. Lonzie's mother and her boyfriend have been accused of child neglect.

The Florida Times-Union reports that Jacksonville Sheriff's Office Chief Tom Hackney joined the crowd that gathered for the vigil Thursday at the church. Hackney said recovering Lonzie's body was ``a very sad occasion'' but the discovery also answered prayers that the boy would be found.

Hackney said he wished he had more answers for people who ask why Lonzie died.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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