A Florida dad, Justin Golden, has been accused of hitting his eight-month-old child with his car after leaving the baby in the middle of a busy road. The tragic incident occurred on Saturday, January 25, in Jacksonville, Florida, around 11 a.m. Golden, 20, is facing serious charges of aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide.
According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the events began after an argument between Golden and his girlfriend, believed to be the child’s mother. After the argument, Golden reportedly stopped his car at an intersection, opened the door, and placed the child on the ground. He then drove away, but the car struck the child, who was left in the road. Golden did not stop at the scene and drove off before eventually being caught by police.
Witnesses in the area rushed to help. Markin Barnes, who was nearby at a barbershop, heard a woman screaming and immediately went to see if help was needed. He saw the child, bleeding, and expressed his shock and sorrow, calling the situation “tragic,” especially since it involved a young child.
The baby was taken to the hospital but was sadly pronounced dead. Police have not yet determined if the incident was intentional or accidental. They are still investigating the circumstances of the event.
Golden has been arrested and is being held at the Duval County jail without bond. Authorities have promised to do everything they can to get justice for the child, working closely with the State Attorney’s Office.
This incident comes just days after another tragedy in Jacksonville. On Friday, January 24, a seven-year-old boy, Breon Allen, was shot and killed while walking to a corner store with his cousin. The shooters, driving a dark-colored car, opened fire on the two. Breon was critically injured and later died at the hospital. His cousin, Lafayette Mango Jr., was also injured in the attack. Police say the intended target was Mango, who has gang ties. The shooting also damaged several nearby homes but fortunately, no one else was hurt.
Both cases have left the Jacksonville community in shock, and authorities are working hard to bring justice to the victims and their families.
