A West Palm Beach courtroom was the site of a significant legal decision on Thursday, March 12, when Judge Parnofiello acquitted Cole Goldberg of attempted murder charges in a case that has stretched across four years.
The charges originated from a 2022 incident at Boca Bash involving Goldberg and his then-girlfriend Caroline Schwitzky, a talent agent who appeared on reality television series. Schwitzky had accused Goldberg of holding her head underwater following an argument during which she ended their relationship.
Goldberg maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, asserting that his actions were an attempt to protect Schwitzky from being struck by a boat in the water. The case proceeded as a bench trial, with Judge Parnofiello deliberating overnight before rendering the verdict.
The judge determined that inconsistencies in witness testimony created sufficient reasonable doubt to warrant acquittal. This decision underscores the critical importance of consistent, reliable testimony in criminal proceedings and the high burden of proof required in attempted murder cases.
Goldberg's legal team expressed relief and confidence in the judicial process following the verdict. The defense attorneys praised Judge Parnofiello's fairness and adherence to legal standards, noting his reputation for impartiality despite being relatively early in his judicial career.
In a statement following the acquittal, Goldberg described the conclusion of the case as removing a significant burden. "I'm so glad the truth finally came out. I've been dealing with this since 2022, so it feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulder," he stated. Goldberg expressed no animosity toward Schwitzky, though he conveyed disbelief that she believed him capable of such actions.
The acquitted defendant indicated plans to resume his legal education at a South Florida law school, marking a return to normalcy after years of legal proceedings.
Schwitzky has not publicly addressed the verdict. The reality television figure, who appeared on multiple seasons of a popular cable series beginning in 2016, has since married Jonathan LeBron and welcomed a son in January 2025. She serves as stepmother to LeBron's four children from a previous relationship.
The case highlights the complexities of domestic dispute allegations and the challenges prosecutors face in securing convictions when witness accounts lack consistency. Legal experts note that bench trials, where a judge rather than jury determines guilt, often involve careful scrutiny of evidence credibility and legal standards.
The four-year duration of this case also raises questions about court system efficiency and the emotional toll prolonged legal proceedings exact on all parties involved. Both the accused and the accuser have moved forward with their lives during this extended period, though the legal process has now reached its conclusion with Goldberg's acquittal.