JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Justin Golden, the father accused of running over and killing his 8-month-old son, Pablo Golden, appeared before a judge Tuesday morning.
The 20-year-old faces charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child and vehicular homicide for the incident that occurred last month.
Recommended Videos
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), the tragic event unfolded during an argument between Golden and the mother of his child on a Saturday morning near Lenox and McDuff avenues.
“The driver (Justin Golden) stopped the vehicle at the intersection, opened the door, and placed the child on the ground,” JSO reported in January. “The driver then began to leave the area and the vehicle struck the child.”
Before the hearing, court documents indicated that Justin Golden planned to enter a not-guilty plea to the charges. However, the arraignment was postponed to allow his new attorney, Kenneth Williams, time to review new evidence presented by the state.
State Attorney John Kalinowski informed the court that the prosecution now possesses surveillance video, bodycam footage, and statements from eight witnesses. Judge London Kite granted the defense additional time to examine the evidence before entering a plea.
Justin Golden appeared in court shackled and remained silent throughout the proceedings.
His family, including his mother, Rose Harden, and members from both paternal and maternal sides, were present in the courtroom. Fighting back tears, Harden told News4Jax’s Briana Brownlee that the incident was not intentional but a tragic accident. Both families said they have been grieving together over the loss of baby Pablo.
Pablo’s death has not only devastated his family but also impacted the Jacksonville community. Described by his maternal grandmother as a bright and happy baby with the prettiest smile, Pablo’s life was tragically cut short before he could reach his first birthday.
Kalinowski stated that under the current plea deal, Justin Golden could face a maximum of 30 years for each charge, totaling 60 years if convicted. However, there is no mandatory minimum sentence at this time.
No decision was made during today’s hearing, and Justin Golden is expected to return to court at the end of next month.
