It’s been 11 months since an 8-month-old baby tragically passed away after a heartbreaking incident involving his father. Now, the father has been sentenced to 30 years behind bars.

Justin Golden, 21, admitted responsibility in court and asked Judge London Kite on Friday for leniency, saying the child’s passing was an accident.

Instead, the judge imposed a longer sentence than prosecutors had requested, describing Golden’s actions as extremely serious and reckless.

The judge heard character statements from Golden’s father and grandfather before addressing him directly. She acknowledged the positive qualities described by his family but said he made a devastating decision regarding a child entrusted to his care.

The baby’s passing

Police said Golden and his girlfriend were arguing in his vehicle on Jan. 25 when he stopped at Lenox and McDuff avenues on the Westside. She removed baby Pablo Golden from a car seat and placed him in the front passenger seat before stepping out of the vehicle, witnesses said.

Golden then exited the driver’s seat, placed Pablo on the roadway and drove away. The vehicle’s rear tire went over the child, who later passed away, according to authorities.

Rather than going to trial, Golden admitted guilt in September to a charge related to the child’s death.

Golden’s grandfather, Tony Harden, told the court that his grandson is kind and loving and not a violent person. He described the event as a tragic accident.

“How can you punish somebody for an accident?” Harden said. “If I believed this was done intentionally, I would understand a severe consequence. But I don’t believe that was the case.”

After hearing from family members, the state’s attorney addressed the court, referencing video from the January incident and describing it as deeply upsetting.

He said the child had been in a place of safety before being moved into danger, which led to his passing.

The prosecution requested a 25-year sentence. Golden’s defense attorney proposed a significantly shorter sentence, along with probation and a suspended driver’s license.

The attorney asked the judge to consider both accountability and mercy, noting that his client had accepted responsibility.

Golden then addressed the court, apologizing and acknowledging that he deserved punishment.

“I cannot fully express how sorry I am for the reckless choices that led to my son’s death. I take full responsibility and blame no one else,” he said. “While I did not intend for this to happen, I understand that intention does not change the outcome. I failed as his protector and father.”

Golden was initially facing additional charges that could have resulted in a much longer sentence. Those charges were later dropped after he admitted guilt to the primary charge.