Florida Father Sentenced to 30 Years After Argument Over Money and Baby Supplies Ended With Him Running Over His 8-Month-Old Son
FLORIDA — A Jacksonville man who left his 8-month-old baby in the middle of a busy intersection during a heated argument and then intentionally drove over him has been sentenced to decades in prison.
Justin Golden, 21, was sentenced Friday to 30 years behind bars after pleading guilty to vehicular homicide and aggravated manslaughter in the death of his infant son, Pablo Golden.
During sentencing, the judge sharply criticized Golden’s actions, stating:
“I have seen people exercise more care, caution and concern for a squirrel that darts into the roadway than you showed your own child.”
Argument Inside Truck Escalated During Walmart Trip
The fatal incident occurred on the morning of January 25 as Golden and the baby’s mother were driving to a Walmart in Jacksonville with their son.
According to court records, the couple began arguing inside Golden’s GMC truck, with the dispute centered on baby wipes and money.
When the argument intensified, the child’s mother exited the vehicle while it was stopped at an intersection, hoping to defuse the situation.
Baby Placed in Roadway
Instead of keeping the child safe, Golden made a devastating decision.
Police said Golden removed his 8-month-old son from the truck and placed him directly onto the roadway, telling investigators he “did not want to be responsible for the child.”
Golden then got back into the truck, shut the door, and drove forward, running over his son as he left the intersection.
Witnesses Watched in Horror
Multiple bystanders witnessed the incident unfold.
One woman told police she initially believed Golden had placed a bag of trash on the road — until she saw it move after the truck drove away.
It was only then she realized the object was a baby.
Pablo’s mother began screaming as witnesses rushed toward the injured child.
Infant Dies After Emergency Response
First responders rushed Pablo to a nearby hospital, but the injuries were catastrophic. He was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Golden was located and arrested not long after fleeing the scene.
Courtroom Apology Fails to Sway Judge
In court, Golden read a prepared statement apologizing for his actions.
“While I did not intend to kill my son, I know that is not enough,” he said.
“I failed as his protector, as his father, and I was the monster who killed him.”
Defense attorneys asked for leniency, citing Golden’s age and family support. Prosecutors argued the act was reckless, intentional, and fatal, emphasizing that Golden knowingly placed a defenseless infant in extreme danger.
The judge agreed with prosecutors and imposed the maximum sentence allowed.
A Life Lost Over a Moment of Rage
The court noted that Pablo’s death was entirely preventable, describing the case as one of the most disturbing examples of parental recklessness seen in recent years.
Golden will serve 30 years in Florida state prison, where he will remain incarcerated well into middle age.
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