A tragic incident unfolded in Jacksonville, Florida, when a 20-year-old man allegedly placed his 8-month-old child in the middle of a busy intersection and drove away, only for the infant to be struck and killed by the vehicle. The man, identified as Justin Golden, reportedly left the scene after an argument with his girlfriend, leading to the devastating death of his child.
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. on a Saturday morning at the intersection of Lenox and McDuff avenues. According to witnesses, chaos ensued as a woman screamed in distress, prompting bystanders to rush to the scene. Markin Barnes, a local barbershop owner, described the heartbreaking moment when he ran outside after hearing the commotion. He was met with the horrific sight of the baby lying in the street, bleeding. Barnes, a father himself, expressed how difficult it was to witness such a tragic event.
As paramedics arrived on the scene, they quickly transported the infant to the hospital, but doctors later pronounced the child dead. Law enforcement agencies were soon able to track down Golden, who was arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide. Authorities have not yet disclosed the gender of the child, nor have they provided further details on whether the incident was an accident or intentional.
The scene of the incident was described as a well-traveled area, with traffic moving regularly through the intersection. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and police have stated that they are working closely with the State Attorney’s Office to ensure justice for the child. While the specifics of the case are still under investigation, the public has been left shaken by the tragedy.
The arrest of Golden has raised many questions about the circumstances leading up to the event. Although a probable cause affidavit was not immediately available, the details that have emerged paint a picture of a man who, in the heat of an argument, made a decision that ultimately led to the death of his own child. Law enforcement officials are continuing to investigate whether Golden intentionally ran over the infant or if the death was the result of a tragic accident.
In the wake of the incident, the community has expressed shock and sorrow. Many have voiced their support for the grieving family, offering prayers and condolences. Local residents have been left grappling with the emotional impact of the tragedy, especially given the involvement of a young child.
As the investigation unfolds, the authorities have made it clear that they are committed to pursuing justice for the infant. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, along with the State Attorney’s Office, has vowed to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to hold Golden accountable for his actions. Golden remains in custody at the Duval County Jail, where he is being held without bond. It is unclear whether he has secured legal representation at this time.
This heartbreaking incident has once again highlighted the devastating consequences of domestic disputes and the potential for violence in emotionally charged situations. The loss of an innocent child in such a manner has left the community in shock, with many struggling to comprehend the tragic events that led to this loss of life. As the investigation continues, authorities and the public alike are left to grapple with the unfathomable reality of what transpired that fateful morning.
