JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The planned sentencing for 21-year-old Justin Golden was postponed today after the court acknowledged that additional evidence and witness testimony were still pending.

Golden, who confessed to aggravated manslaughter of a child last September, is now facing a potential prison sentence of up to 30 years as per the plea agreement.

On the morning of January 25, 2025, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office responded to a distressing incident involving an 8-month-old boy, Pablo Kye Golden, at the intersection of McDuff Avenue South and Lenox Avenue on Jacksonville’s Westside.

Investigators reported that Golden, who was in the vehicle with a female passenger—the baby’s mother—became embroiled in an argument with her near the intersection. After bringing the vehicle to a stop, Golden allegedly opened the door, placed the child on the ground, and drove away, tragically hitting the baby in the process.

The baby was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead.

Golden was originally arrested and charged with vehicular homicide, failing to render aid, and aggravated manslaughter of a child. 

In February he pleaded not guilty. In September, prosecutors dropped the vehicular homicide charge and Golden pleaded guilty instead to aggravated manslaughter of a child under an agreement that carries a possible sentence of up to 30 years in prison. 

At the scheduled sentencing hearing, both the prosecution and defense presented significant testimony and victim impact statements. 

A JSO detective testified using photos and maps of the roadway, displaying a pacifier with blood in the street and describing the surveillance/video evidence of Golden placing Pablo in the roadway. 

The baby’s mother and grandmother provided written impact statements describing the profound grief and loss they endure — missed milestones, shattered futures, and lasting trauma. 

On the defense side, character witnesses, including Golden’s mother, pastor and sisters, testified to his otherwise positive traits and the remorse he has expressed.

Judge London Kite announced the sentencing would be deferred because additional out-of-town witnesses and further evidence remain. A next hearing date was set for Dec. 1 to schedule the follow-up.