Justin Golden: Father accused of running over and killing eight-month-old son pleads guilty
A father accused of running over and killing his eight-month-old son has pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter.
The shocking incident unfolded after Justin Golden and the baby’s mother got into an argument as they were driving home with their son Pablo from a trip to Walmart.
During a heated exchange over baby wipes and money, the mother asked to get out of the car. Golden allegedly told her that he “did not want to be responsible for the child”.
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According to police, Pablo’s mother said she “heard screaming” as she walked away. When she turned back, she saw her baby lying in the middle of the street.
Emergency responders rushed the infant to the hospital, but tragically, he could not be saved.
A witness driving behind Golden initially believed he had “placed a bag of trash” on the road. But then, she told police, “she saw it move” just after the vehicle struck it.
Pablo’s paternal grandmother told local news station News4Jax that the act was not intentional, and that both families are united in grief over the unthinkable loss.
Pablo’s maternal grandmother, Evelyn, created a GoFundMe page to cover the cost of funeral expenses.
“Our hearts are so heavy and we are very saddened that our precious little ‘Big Man’ had to leave us so soon,” she wrote.
Golden appeared in court on Wednesday, months after he was arrested, to make his plea.
He now faces up to 30 years in prison.
His sentencing is scheduled for November 13.
