JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Justin Golden, the father accused of running over and killing his 8-month-old son, Pablo Golden, pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter of a child Wednesday.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO), the tragic event unfolded during an argument between Golden and the mother of his child in January 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.”
In February, Golden’s mother Rose 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.
Under the current plea deal, Justin Golden could face a maximum of 30 years for aggravated manslaughter of a child.
Golden was also originally charged with vehicular homicide and faced a maximum of 60 years for both charges combined, but that charge was dropped.
Sentencing has been set for November 13.