Mom, Boyfriend to Go to Trial Together in Missing Jacksonville Toddler Case

A judge has ruled that the mother of a missing Jacksonville toddler will face a trial with her boyfriend on child neglect charges.

Circuit Judge Mark Borello ruled Thursday separate juries will decide the fates of Lonna Lauramore Barton and William Ruben Ebron Jr. following their Dec. 7 trial.

Lonzie Barton was 21 months old when he went missing in July. He has not been seen since Ebron reported him missing.

Assistant State Attorney Rich Mantei says the two juries will hear most of the evidence together, but they'll hear some testimony separately.

The Florida Times-Union reports defense attorneys opposed efforts to combine the cases.

Both are accused of child neglect and giving false information to police. But Ebron also faces three counts involving a potential plot to escape.