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Jacksonville Father Sentenced to 30 Years for Aggravated Manslaughter in Infant Son’s Death

The judge labeled the conduct "gross and flagrant," imposing the maximum term allowed under the plea.

Overview

  • Justin Golden, 21, pleaded guilty in September to aggravated manslaughter of a child, and a vehicular homicide charge was dismissed under the agreement.
  • Prosecutors sought a 25-year term, the defense asked for 12 months in jail with probation, and the court issued a 30-year sentence.
  • Police say that during a January argument at Lenox and McDuff avenues, Golden placed 8-month-old Pablo on the street, then drove off and the vehicle struck the child.
  • At sentencing, the prosecutor cited video to argue Golden intentionally moved the baby from safety to danger, while relatives described a tragic accident and emphasized remorse.
  • Golden apologized and accepted responsibility in court, as earlier testimony from a detective recounted him asking after the death, "Am I going to get in trouble for this?"