News Summary
Scott Allen Gardner has been indicted on first-degree murder charges following the death of his 18-month-old son, Sebastian, who was left in a hot truck for hours. The tragic incident occurred when Gardner allegedly went drinking after arriving for a haircut, leaving Sebastian unattended in temperatures exceeding 111 degrees Fahrenheit. Witnesses reported Gardner continued to drink after calling 911, raising community outrage. Local officials are highlighting the importance of awareness regarding the dangers of leaving children in vehicles, a problem that claims numerous lives each year.
Florida
Scott Allen Gardner, a 33-year-old resident of Ormond Beach, Florida, has been indicted on first-degree murder charges in the tragic death of his 18-month-old son, Sebastian. The indictment comes in the wake of an incident that occurred on June 6, where Gardner allegedly left his son inside a hot truck for over three hours.
Previously, Gardner was arrested on June 19 and charged with aggravated manslaughter and child neglect causing great bodily harm. The grand jury’s indictment now includes additional charges of aggravated child abuse and child neglect. The court system is currently processing the case, with Gardner’s arraignment scheduled for July 8.
Details surrounding the incident indicate that Gardner arrived at Classic Cuts for a haircut around 11:30 a.m. Shortly thereafter, he left his son in the back seat of the truck as he went to Hanky Panky’s Lounge for drinks, reportedly staying from noon until about 2:40 p.m. During this period, temperatures inside the vehicle likely soared to dangerous levels, reaching up to 111 degrees Fahrenheit, as the truck’s windows were closed and only a small fan was directed at the child.
At approximately 2:44 p.m., Gardner drove to his mother’s house and called 911, but reports suggest that Sebastian had likely been deceased for one to two hours prior to the call. The child was taken to the hospital shortly after 2:58 p.m., where medical personnel recorded his body temperature at over 107 degrees. He was pronounced dead at 3:30 p.m.
Witnesses at the bar reported that following the 911 call, Gardner returned with his mother and continued to drink until nearly midnight. Initially, Gardner claimed he had left the windows down for Sebastian and even stated that he attempted CPR, which he later retracted as a fabrication.
The case has drawn significant attention, with local officials expressing outrage at the circumstances surrounding the child’s death. The Volusia Sheriff’s Office described the event as tragic and preventable, denouncing Gardner’s actions as inexcusable.
According to the National Safety Council, an average of 37 children die annually in the United States from heatstroke after being left in vehicles, with at least six deaths recorded in 2025 alone. This emphasizes the severity and frequency of similar incidents, highlighting the urgent need for awareness regarding the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles.
The community in Ormond Beach is seeking answers and accountability in this heart-wrenching case. As the judicial process unfolds, many hope that it will serve as a critical reminder of the responsibilities parents hold and the devastating consequences that can arise from negligence.
As the case progresses, it remains a somber reminder to parents everywhere about the unforgiving conditions that can exist inside parked cars, especially during the sweltering summer months.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- News Journal: Ormond Father Charged with Murder
- Wikipedia: Child Abuse
- Fox 35 Orlando: Florida Dad Charged with Murder
- Google Search: Children Left in Hot Vehicles Statistics
- Orlando Sentinel: Volusia Father Indicted
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Heatstroke
- News Daytona Beach: Ormond Beach Man Charged
- Google News: Child Neglect Cases 2025
