Florida Man Charged After Allegedly Leaving Eight-Month-Old Baby in Road, Leading to Tragic Death
(Firstcoast News)
A Florida man is facing charges after allegedly leaving his eight-month-old child in the middle of a busy road, where the baby was fatally struck by his vehicle. Justin Golden, 20, has been charged with aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide following the heartbreaking event, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, in Jacksonville, Florida. Police report that the tragedy unfolded after a heated argument between Golden and his girlfriend, the child’s mother. Authorities allege that Golden placed the baby on the ground at an intersection, drove away, and struck the child in the process.
“The driver stopped the vehicle at the intersection, opened the door, and placed the child on the ground. The driver then began to leave the area, and the vehicle struck the child,” the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office stated. Eyewitness Markin Barnes, who was nearby in his barbershop, described the distressing scene.
“The kid was bleeding. So we immediately asked did she needed help,” he told Jacksonville’s CW affiliate WJXT. He added, “It’s going to be prayers and thoughts for the family… it’s rough, you know, dealing with kids this young. It’s definitely going to be a traumatic situation.”
Barnes shared with First Coast News that the incident was deeply unsettling. “Just the screaming, the people consoling her, you could tell it really was tragic. Especially with a kid being that young. It hits home – anything dealing with the kids we take very seriously.”
The baby was rushed to the hospital but tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Golden reportedly fled the location but was later apprehended by police. As of now, investigators have not disclosed whether Golden’s actions were intentional or accidental. A probable cause affidavit has not yet been released, and the investigation is ongoing.
“We, with our partners at the State Attorney’s Office, will stop at nothing to get justice for the baby,” the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office stated. Golden is currently being held at Duval County Jail without bond. This heartbreaking case is one of two recent tragedies involving children in Jacksonville.
On Friday, January 24, seven-year-old Breon Allen, affectionately known as “Dusse,” was killed in a shooting while walking to a store with his cousin. Breon’s cousin, Lafayette Mango Jr., believed to be the intended target, was critically injured in the attack. Both incidents have left the Jacksonville community reeling as authorities work to bring justice for the young lives lost.
