Justin Golden, 21, was sentenced to 30 years after pleading guilty to vehicular homicide and aggravated manslaughter in the death of his eight‑month‑old son, Pablo Kye Golden. The Jan. 25, 2025, incident in Jacksonville occurred after an argument with the child’s mother; prosecutors say Golden placed the infant on the roadway and drove over him. Golden apologized in court, saying, “I was the monster who killed him.” Judge London Kite rejected pleas for leniency and credited Golden with 328 days served. A family GoFundMe had raised $6,153 of a $10,000 goal.
“I Was the Monster”: Florida Father Sentenced to 30 Years After Running Over His 8‑Month‑Old Son
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office; GoFundMeJustin Golden and his son, Pablo Kye Golden
Justin Golden, 21, was sentenced to 30 years in prison after admitting he drove over and killed his eight‑month‑old son, Pablo Kye Golden, following an argument with the child’s mother.
Details Of The Incident
The fatal incident occurred on the morning of Jan. 25, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. According to court filings and media reports, Golden, the child and the child’s mother were stopped at an intersection when an argument — reportedly over baby wipes and money — escalated.
Prosecutors say Golden took the infant from the vehicle, placed him on the roadway, returned to the driver’s seat and drove forward, striking the child. Witnesses described seeing the sequence unfold; one bystander initially thought the object on the road was a bag before realizing it was a child. Emergency personnel transported Pablo to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Golden briefly fled the scene but was later located and arrested.
First Coast News/YouTubeJustin Golden, on the day of his sentencing
Court Statement And Sentencing
“I was the monster who killed him,” Golden read from a prepared statement in court, adding, “I failed as his protector, as his father.” He apologized to his family and said he deserved punishment, while maintaining he did not intend to kill the child.
Golden pleaded guilty in September to vehicular homicide and aggravated manslaughter. On Friday, Dec. 19, Duval County Judge London Kite rejected defense pleas for leniency and sentenced Golden to 30 years in Florida State Prison, crediting him with 328 days already served. The judge criticized Golden’s violation of parental trust and his lack of care.
Family Response And Fundraiser
Family members, including Golden’s father and grandfather, asked the court for leniency, describing the act as impulsive and noting Golden had no prior criminal record. Pablo’s mother did not attend the sentencing hearing.
The child’s relatives launched a GoFundMe to cover funeral and related expenses; as of Dec. 22 the campaign had raised $6,153 toward a $10,000 goal. Pablo’s grandmother asked for prayers as the family grieves.
Case Status
Golden will serve his sentence in the Florida State Prison system. The case drew attention for its rapid and tragic sequence of events and for public statements made by the defendant at sentencing.
