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Judge Finds Cole Goldberg Not Guilty in 2022 Boca Bash Attempted Murder Case

The judge said inconsistent testimony left reasonable doubt about intent to kill.

Overview

  • West Palm Beach Circuit Judge John Parnofiello delivered the not‑guilty verdict on March 12 after a three‑day bench trial and an overnight deliberation.
  • Goldberg had faced first‑degree attempted murder and domestic battery charges stemming from an April 2022 confrontation with reality‑TV alum Caroline Schwitzky.
  • The court cited contradictions across witness accounts as insufficient to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
  • Defense attorneys argued Goldberg lacked intent to harm and was disoriented in a strong current, whereas Schwitzky testified he struck her, bit her, and tried to drown her before a bystander intervened.
  • Goldberg declined a plea offer that included six months in jail, says he plans to return to law school, and his lawyers called the verdict the end of a four‑year ordeal, while Schwitzky said she is still processing the ruling.