A Volusia County father, Scott Allen Gardner, 33, of Ormond Beach, has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge following the tragic death of his 18-month-old son, Sebastian, who succumbed to heatstroke after being left unattended in a hot car for approximately three hours. The indictment, announced Wednesday, stems from the horrific incident that occurred on June 6th, where Gardner allegedly left Sebastian in his turned-off vehicle with the windows partially down and a small fan pointed towards the child. This devastating case highlights the critical dangers of vehicular heatstroke and the severe consequences of negligent parenting. Investigators with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and the Ormond Beach Police Department collaborated extensively on the investigation, uncovering a series of alarming details surrounding the circumstances of Sebastian’s death. Initial charges included aggravated manslaughter and child neglect causing great bodily harm, reflecting the gravity of the situation. Gardner was initially booked into the Volusia County Jail and remains there awaiting his arraignment scheduled for July 8th. The indictment adds aggravated child abuse charges to the existing accusations, further emphasizing the profound harm inflicted upon the young child.

The indictment further emphasizes the serious nature of the charges against Gardner, reflecting the immense distress and suffering caused to Sebastian. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and the Ormond Beach Police Department worked diligently to piece together the events leading up to Sebastian’s untimely death, meticulously examining all available evidence and conducting numerous interviews. The initial accusations laid out by the prosecution aimed to hold Gardner accountable for his actions, acknowledging the potential for severe harm when a child is left unattended in a vehicle, particularly under conditions that exacerbate the risk of heatstroke. Gardner’s detention in the Volusia County Jail underscores the legal proceedings underway, with his upcoming arraignment representing a crucial step in the justice process. The addition of aggravated child abuse charges demonstrates the intent to hold Gardner fully responsible for the devastating consequences of his actions, recognizing the vulnerability of a young child and the potential for irreversible harm.

Sheriff Mike Chitwood’s stark assessment – describing Gardner as a ‘human piece of garbage’ – underscores the outrage and condemnation surrounding the events. This powerful statement reflects the profound shock and disbelief felt by the community, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the need for accountability. The investigation revealed that hospital staff estimated Sebastian’s body temperature within the car reached a critical 111 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature that rapidly leads to organ failure and death. This chilling statistic paints a clear picture of the devastating impact of the prolonged exposure to extreme heat. Investigators determined that Gardner left Hanky Panky’s Lounge shortly after leaving his son in the vehicle and subsequently drove to his mother’s nearby residence, initiating a 911 call along the way. A responding police officer immediately began CPR on Sebastian, but tragically, the toddler was pronounced dead at the hospital. Based on medical evaluations and information provided by hospital staff, detectives believe Sebastian likely died one to two hours prior to the 911 call being made, indicating a prolonged period of suffering.

Initially, Gardner attempted to mislead investigators, claiming he administered CPR and that Sebastian’s eyes opened, leading him to believe the child was still alive. However, Detective Schon McGuire ultimately secured Gardner’s confession, confirming the timeline of events and the extent of the child’s ordeal. The confession was a pivotal moment in the investigation, providing crucial evidence and allowing authorities to understand the sequence of events accurately. Gardner’s initial attempt to deceive investigators highlights the deliberate nature of his actions and the conscious disregard for Sebastian’s safety. Detective McGuire’s skillful work in obtaining the confession demonstrates the dedication and expertise of law enforcement professionals in bringing those responsible for harm to justice. This pivotal moment in the investigation solidified the case against Gardner, providing irrefutable evidence of his culpability.

The combined efforts of law enforcement agencies and forensic analysis have laid bare the horrifying reality of this case, serving as a potent reminder of the importance of vigilant supervision and the potentially fatal consequences of leaving children unattended in vehicles, even for brief periods. This tragic incident is a stark illustration of the devastating impact of negligence and the irreversible loss experienced by Sebastian’s family. The case serves as a critical warning to all parents and caregivers, emphasizing the paramount importance of constant vigilance when children are present, underscoring the potential for preventable tragedies. It is a somber reminder of the vulnerability of young children and the devastating consequences of failing to provide adequate protection.