Jacksonville, FL – A heartbreaking case out of Florida has taken a tragic turn as Justin Golden, a 20-year-old man, has pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter of a child after a horrific incident involving his 8-month-old son.
On the morning of January 25, an argument over baby wipes and money during a trip to Walmart turned fatal when Golden left his infant son, Pablo Golden, in the middle of an intersection and drove over him. The incident has drawn widespread attention due to the shocking circumstances and the devastating loss experienced by both families.
A Tragic Incident Unfolds at a Florida Intersection
According to court documents and an arrest report, the chain of events began inside Golden’s GMC truck where he, his 8-month-old son Pablo, and the baby’s mother were involved in a verbal dispute. The mother reportedly wanted to exit the vehicle to end the fight, stating her desire to get out after arguing over trivial matters such as baby wipes and money.
Golden’s chilling response was that he “did not want to be responsible for the child.” Subsequently, while stopped at an intersection, he removed baby Pablo from the truck, placed him on the road, and then drove forward, running over his own son.
Eyewitness Accounts and Police Response
Multiple witnesses witnessed the disturbing event and quickly informed authorities. One witness following behind the Golden’s vehicle observed the mother exiting the truck empty-handed. The same witness saw Golden place an object on the road, initially mistaking it for a bag of trash, only to later realize it was a child when the object moved after being driven over.
“She thought it was a bag of trash at first, but then she saw it move,” the witness told police, highlighting the horror of the moment.
Despite driving over the infant, Golden did not speed away from the scene, enabling police to pursue and apprehend him shortly after the incident.
Pablo’s mother recounted to police that after leaving the vehicle, she heard screaming and turned to find her baby lying in the road. The infant was rushed to a nearby hospital but was tragically pronounced dead.
Families Mourn Together Amid Unimaginable Loss
The tragedy sparked deep grief in both Pablo’s maternal and paternal families. Evelyn, the boy’s maternal grandmother, shared with local CW affiliate WJXT the joy Pablo brought to the family:
“He loved smiling, loved playing with his brother, he loved his mom, he loved his dad. His mom loves him, his dad loves him, this is just a tragic event.”
Marie, Pablo’s paternal grandmother, emphasized the long-standing connection between the families and their shared sorrow:
“We didn’t just start to be friends, this goes way back.”
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
At the court hearing held on Wednesday, Justin Golden pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter of a child. As part of a plea deal, the original charge of vehicular homicide was dropped. The decision brings a potential conclusion to the legal case, with Golden’s sentencing scheduled for November 13.
Key Takeaways from the Case
- Date of Incident: January 25
- Victim: 8-month-old Pablo Golden
- Location: Intersection in Jacksonville, Florida
- Charges: Aggravated manslaughter of a child (pleaded guilty), vehicular homicide (dismissed)
- Sentencing Date: November 13
- Cause: Argument during Walmart trip over baby wipes and money
Reflecting on a Heartbreaking Tragedy
This disturbing incident highlights the catastrophic consequences that can arise from domestic disputes and negligence. The loss of such a young life underlines the importance of prioritizing child safety and fostering healthy communication during conflicts.
What do you think about this heartbreaking case? Have you ever witnessed or experienced how disputes can impact family safety? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
