90 Day Fiancé Star's Ex-Boyfriend Acquitted of Attempted Murder

Cole Goldberg found not guilty of charges against ex-girlfriend Caroline Schwitzky

Mar. 13, 2026 at 1:22am

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Cole Goldberg, the ex-boyfriend of 90 Day Fiancé star Caroline Schwitzky, has been found not guilty of attempted murder and domestic battery charges. Goldberg was arrested in April 2022 after he was accused of strangling and trying to drown Schwitzky during an incident on a boat. However, Goldberg's attorneys argued that he was simply trying to save himself from drowning in a strong current and had no intent to harm Schwitzky. After a bench trial, the judge ruled that the evidence did not support the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities of domestic violence allegations and the importance of due process. While Schwitzky claimed Goldberg attacked her, the judge ultimately determined the evidence did not prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The verdict raises questions about the reliability of witness testimony and the challenges of proving intent in physical altercations.

The details

Goldberg was arrested in April 2022 and charged with first-degree attempted murder and domestic battery after an incident on a boat with Schwitzky. Schwitzky testified that Goldberg became upset with her for throwing a football with another man, leading to a physical fight where Goldberg allegedly hit her with a drink, threw her to the floor, bit her, and dug his nails into her skin. She said she jumped into the water to get away, but Goldberg followed her and tried to strangle and drown her before a bystander intervened. However, Goldberg's attorneys argued that he was simply trying to save himself from drowning in a strong current and had no intent to harm Schwitzky. After a bench trial, the judge ruled that the evidence did not support the charges beyond a reasonable doubt and found Goldberg not guilty.

  • Goldberg was arrested in April 2022 for the alleged incident.
  • The trial took place in March 2026 and the verdict was delivered on March 13, 2026.

The players

Cole Goldberg

The ex-boyfriend of 90 Day Fiancé star Caroline Schwitzky who was accused of attempted murder and domestic battery but was found not guilty.

Caroline Schwitzky

A star of the reality TV show 90 Day Fiancé who accused her ex-boyfriend Cole Goldberg of attempting to strangle and drown her during an incident on a boat.

Judge John Parnofiello

The circuit judge who presided over Goldberg's bench trial and ultimately ruled him not guilty of the charges.

Matt Paris

A bystander who intervened and broke up the interaction between Goldberg and Schwitzky in the water.

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What they’re saying

“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. There's no resentment with Caroline, I just cant believe she would ever think I could do something like that.”

— Cole Goldberg (TMZ)

“We are all relieved and grateful that this four year ordeal is over. We had every confidence in Judge Parnofiello's ability to be fair to both sides of the aisle and to follow the law. Despite being a young judge, his sense of fairness, intelligence and reputation for following the law is undisputed.”

— Heidi Perlet and Marc Shiner, Goldberg's attorneys (TMZ)

“The last thing on my mind was thinking it was Cole. But then when I was under the water and I looked in front of me, I saw Cole's body, his shoulders.”

— Caroline Schwitzky (Court TV)

What’s next

Schwitzky has stated she is still processing the ruling and plans to eventually speak more on the news.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities of domestic violence allegations and the importance of due process. While the victim claimed the defendant attacked her, the judge ultimately determined the evidence did not prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, raising questions about the reliability of witness testimony and the challenges of proving intent in physical altercations.