Florida Man Accused of Running Over and Killing 8-Month-Old Baby After Heated Argument

A 20-year-old man arrested for allegedly leaving a baby on the road and fatally running over the child during a dispute in Jacksonville, Florida.

A 20-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly leaving an 8-month-old baby on a road and fatally running over the child with his car during a heated argument with a female passenger.

The tragic incident occurred on Saturday, Jan. 25, around 10:39 a.m., at the intersection of Lenox Avenue and McDuff Avenue in Jacksonville, Florida. Officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) responded to reports of a crash involving a single vehicle and a child.

According to the JSO’s release, when officers arrived, they found an infant lying in the roadway. Witnesses told police that the child had been struck by a vehicle, which then left the scene. Emergency responders from the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department transported the baby to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Suspect Allegedly Ran Over Baby While Fleeing Scene

In a Facebook post, the JSO identified the suspect as 20-year-old Justin Golden. Authorities allege that Golden was driving with a female passenger and the 8-month-old baby in the car when an argument broke out between the two adults. Golden reportedly stopped at the intersection, removed the baby from the car, and placed him on the road before driving away, hitting the child in the process.

Golden was quickly arrested and is now facing charges of aggravated manslaughter and vehicular homicide. In the social media post, police stated, "Golden is locked up in the Duval County jail for his actions. The investigation continues. We, with our partners at the State Attorney’s Office, will stop at nothing to get justice for the baby."

Tragic Details of the Incident

JSO’s statement explained that as Golden’s vehicle approached the intersection, he and the female passenger were involved in an altercation. After stopping, Golden allegedly opened his car door, placed the baby on the roadway, and then drove off, striking the child as he left the scene.

Authorities have not confirmed the exact relationship between the three individuals in the car. However, JSO, suggests that the two adults involved in the argument are believed to be the baby’s parents.

The JSO called the incident a "tragic and senseless loss of life."

Legal Proceedings

According to jail records, Justin Golden is currently being held at the Duval County Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 18 at 9 a.m.