Full Breakdown
Trial of Cole Goldberg: Attempted Murder Charges in Boca Bash Incident
3/10/2026, 4:39:37 AM
Incident Overview
Cole Goldberg, the boyfriend of reality TV star Caroline Schwitzky, is currently on trial for attempted second-degree murder stemming from an incident that occurred during the Boca Bash boating event on April 24, 2022. Initially charged with domestic battery by strangulation, the charges were escalated after investigators concluded that Goldberg attempted to drown Schwitzky while they were arguing on the water. The couple had been dating for approximately a year at the time of the incident.
Details of the Incident
Witnesses reported that during a heated argument, Schwitzky attempted to escape the boat, prompting Goldberg to aggressively restrain her. As she jumped into the water, Goldberg followed and allegedly held her under the water by her throat until a bystander, Matt Paris, intervened. The altercation reportedly lasted around 20 minutes, with Schwitzky struggling to free herself. Prosecutors assert that Goldberg's actions were deliberate and dangerous, while his defense claims he was merely trying to save himself from drowning.
Legal Proceedings and Defense Strategy
Goldberg, 26, rejected a plea deal that would have required him to serve six months in jail and write an apology letter. Instead, he opted for a bench trial before Circuit Judge John Parnofiello, where both he and Schwitzky are expected to testify. The prosecution, led by Assistant State Attorney Victoria Suarez, argues that Goldberg's actions were intentional and life-threatening, while the defense, represented by attorney Heidi Perlet, contends that Schwitzky is financially motivated and has exaggerated the incident for personal gain.
Perlet's defense paints Schwitzky as an opportunist, citing her subsequent lawsuit against Goldberg for over $30,000 and her media appearances discussing the incident. The defense also questions the credibility of witnesses, suggesting that their judgment may have been impaired by alcohol during the event.
Witness Accounts and Testimonies
Witnesses from nearby boats described Goldberg as being in a "complete rage" during the incident. In contrast, Perlet argues that photos taken shortly after the altercation show no visible injuries on Schwitzky, and she did not immediately accuse Goldberg of attempted murder. Instead, she portrayed him as a "good person" during the incident. The defense claims Schwitzky's behavior post-incident, including her social media activity and public performances, indicates a desire for attention rather than a genuine victim response.
Conclusion and Implications
The trial continues to unfold, with the outcome dependent on the judge's interpretation of the evidence and testimonies presented. The case raises questions about domestic violence perceptions, the influence of social media on personal narratives, and the complexities of legal definitions surrounding such incidents. As the proceedings progress, both parties' motivations and the truth of the events at Boca Bash remain under scrutiny.
