Cole Goldberg, the former boyfriend of “90 Day Fiancé” alum Caroline Schwitzky, was acquitted of all charges related to an attempted murder accusation stemming from a 2022 incident at Boca Bash in Lake Boca Raton, Florida. The verdict, issued after a bench trial in Palm Beach County on March 12, ended nearly four years of legal proceedings.
Goldberg faced charges of attempted second-degree murder, domestic battery by strangulation, and simple battery for allegedly trying to drown Schwitzky during a dispute on a boat at the annual boating event. Boca Bash, known for drawing thousands of boaters each year, turned chaotic during the April 24, 2022, confrontation, resulting in Schwitzky jumping into the water and attempting to swim towards another vessel.
According to prosecutors, Goldberg followed Schwitzky into the water and tried to drown her until a bystander intervened. Schwitzky, a Miami talent agent who appeared on “90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?” as an agent for cast member Paola Mayfield, testified during the trial.
Goldberg, however, maintained that the situation was misunderstood amid the confusion on the water. He testified that he entered the water to assist Schwitzky in securing a ride off the boat but soon began to panic due to the current. He described the encounter as brief, stating he touched her shoulder only momentarily to stay afloat and denied any intent to cause harm.
“There was zero intent at all to do any harm, and these accusations were just ridiculous,” Goldberg said after the verdict, expressing relief and gratitude for his legal team and supporters.
The case hinged primarily on conflicting eyewitness accounts, with Goldberg noting that perceptions of the event varied among those who witnessed it. The judge ruled that the evidence presented was insufficient to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, resulting in a full acquittal.
Goldberg shared that the prolonged legal process significantly impacted his personal and professional life. Arrested at age 23, he said the case disrupted his plans for law school and career advancement while subjecting him to public scrutiny due to media coverage and mugshots.
Now 27, Goldberg intends to pursue a legal career and prepare for the LSAT exam following his acquittal.
Why it matters
This case highlights the challenges of interpreting events in chaotic situations and the critical role of reasonable doubt in the judicial process. Goldberg’s acquittal underscores the necessity of thorough examination of contradictory eyewitness testimonies in serious criminal charges such as attempted murder.
Background
Boca Bash is an annual spring gathering on the waters of Lake Boca Raton, Florida, attracting thousands of boaters and partygoers. The 2022 event involved an incident where alcohol and a large crowd contributed to a volatile environment that led to Goldberg’s arrest and subsequent trial.
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