A tragic and heartbreaking incident unfolded in Jacksonville, Florida, when a man allegedly hit and killed his 8-month-old child with his car. According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the man, 20-year-old Justin Golden, had placed the baby in the middle of an intersection after an argument with his girlfriend. Moments later, he drove off, leaving the infant in harm’s way.
Police quickly tracked Golden down after the incident, and he was arrested. Meanwhile, paramedics rushed the baby to the hospital, but doctors sadly couldn’t save the infant’s life. Now, Golden is facing serious charges, including aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide.
This tragic event took place late Saturday morning, around 11 a.m., at the intersection of Lenox and McDuff Avenues. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and deeply distressing. One witness, Markin Barnes, who owns a nearby barbershop, shared what he saw. He said he heard a woman screaming and rushed outside, only to find a devastating sight—the injured child.
Barnes, who is a father himself, shared how difficult it was to witness such a tragedy. He and others immediately offered help. “The kid was bleeding,” Barnes said, recalling how helpless and emotional the situation was. “It’s rough… dealing with kids, especially something so young. This is definitely going to be a traumatic situation.”
At this time, authorities haven’t released all the details. It’s unclear whether Golden ran over the child by accident or if it was intentional. The sheriff’s office also hasn’t disclosed the baby’s gender. Media coverage shows that the intersection where this happened is a busy area, with cars passing through frequently.
In a statement, the sheriff’s office vowed to pursue justice for the child, working closely with the State Attorney’s Office to ensure the case is handled thoroughly. “We will stop at nothing to get justice for the baby,” they said.
Currently, Golden remains in Duval County jail without bond. It’s not yet known if he has hired a lawyer to represent him. Police are continuing to investigate, and more information may come to light in the coming days.
This tragedy has left many in the community shaken, with prayers and thoughts pouring in for the grieving family. It’s a sobering reminder of how quickly lives can be changed forever.
