A Jacksonville man who pleaded guilty to running over and killing his 8-month-old son has been sentenced to 30 years in Florida state prison, closing a case that drew widespread attention and sparked painful questions about parental responsibility and impulse-driven violence.
The defendant, 21-year-old Justin Golden, learned his sentence Friday in Duval County court.
Judge London Kite handed down the 30-year term after reviewing a pre-sentence investigation report, video evidence and letters submitted to the court, according to local reporting.
Kite credited Golden with 328 days already served.
Investigators said the deadly incident happened the morning of Jan. 25, 2025, during an argument inside a vehicle near Lenox Avenue and McDuff Avenue in Jacksonville.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office previously stated Golden stopped the car, opened the door, placed the infant on the ground and then drove forward, striking the child.
The baby was identified as Pablo Golden.
In court, Golden addressed the judge and took responsibility, telling the courtroom he had “failed” as a father and protector, while maintaining he did not intend to kill his son.
His defense sought a far shorter sentence, while prosecutors argued for a punishment that exceeded the state’s recommended range, records and court reporting show.
During the sentencing hearing, Golden’s grandfather, Tony Harden, spoke on his behalf and described the death as an accident, urging the court not to impose a lengthy prison term.
Judge Kite rejected the comparison, saying what happened did not qualify as an accident under the case facts presented to the court.
Family members on both sides have described the loss of Pablo as devastating.
Golden’s mother, Rose Harden, previously said the death was not intentional, and relatives have spoken publicly about grief and the long-term impact the tragedy has had on those closest to the child.
The case history also included earlier court delays and additional testimony about Golden’s reaction after learning his son had died.
At a prior hearing, Detective Justin Brown testified about Golden’s questions in the aftermath, according to the same reporting.
Golden originally faced additional charges, including vehicular homicide, but that count was later dropped, and the case proceeded to sentencing on the aggravated manslaughter plea.
With the sentence now imposed, the criminal case against Golden has formally concluded in Duval County court.
