A Criminal Investigation is underway in Jacksonville, Florida, after a heartbreaking tragedy left an 8-month-old baby dead.
Authorities have arrested Justin Golden, 20, who is accused of placing the infant in the roadway before running the child over with his vehicle.
The shocking incident occurred on January 25, 2025, at the intersection of Lenox Avenue and McDuff Avenue, as reported by PEOPLE.
According to police reports, Golden had been arguing with a female passenger before the fatal act.
He now faces aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide charges, as detectives work to piece together the details of what led to this heinous crime.
A Horrifying Chain of Events
According to the local police department, officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) responded to the scene after receiving reports of a single-vehicle crash involving a child.
When responding officers arrived at the crime scene, they discovered an infant lying on the road.
Several eyewitnesses also informed them that the child had been struck by a fleeing vehicle.
The child was rushed to a local hospital, but despite the efforts of medical personnel, the baby was pronounced dead.
According to Authorities, Golden and his female passenger had been engaged in a heated argument before he allegedly removed the child from the car and placed the baby in the roadway.
Moments later, he drove off, fatally striking the innocent infant.
“This is a tragic and senseless loss of life,”** the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Markin Barnes, a local barber who was near the scene when the tragedy occurred, recalled the horrifying moments.
“The kid was bleeding. So we immediately asked if she [the woman] needed help,” Barnes told local newsmen.
“It’s rough, you know, dealing with kids… It’s definitely going to be a traumatic situation,” Barnes added as he expressed deep sorrow.
The Jacksonville community remains shaken by the loss, with many calling for swift justice in the case.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Following the horrific event, Golden was quickly taken into custody and booked into Duval County Jail.
According to his criminal complaint, he is charged with aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working alongside the State Attorney’s Office to ensure justice is served.
Golden’s next court appearance is scheduled for February 18, 2025, at 9 a.m.
According to local outlet WJXT, which cited the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the two adults in the car are believed to be the baby’s parents.
The local police department has assured the public that they are working tirelessly with prosecutors to hold Golden accountable.
As the legal process unfolds, the community mourns the life of an innocent child lost far too soon.
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