A Florida man has been sentenced to 42 years in prison following the tragic death of his toddler son, who died after being left in a hot truck for several hours. Scott Gardner, aged 34, was found guilty of a series of serious charges, including second-degree murder, following the death of his 18-month-old son, Sebastian, on June 6, 2025.
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According to reports from the Office of the State Attorney for the 7th Judicial Circuit, Gardner left Sebastian unattended in his vehicle while he visited a local bar in Ormond Beach. He had initially left the child in the back seat of the truck with the windows partially open and a small battery-operated fan aimed at him. However, the conditions were far from safe, and the situation turned dire.
By the time Sebastian was transported to the hospital, medical personnel determined that his body temperature had reached a staggering 111 degrees Fahrenheit. Tragically, it is believed that Sebastian had been deceased for at least an hour before he arrived at the medical facility. The distressing details surrounding the incident have shocked the local community and sparked discussions on the responsibilities of parents to protect their children.
Gardner was arrested nearly two weeks after Sebastian’s death, on June 19. During the investigation conducted by both the Volusia Sheriff’s Office and the Ormond Beach Police Department, he reportedly provided detectives with false information regarding the circumstances of his son’s death. His unwillingness to cooperate fully with the inquiry raised further questions about his accountability.
On July 23, Gardner pleaded no contest to charges of second-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and neglect of a child that resulted in great bodily harm. The courtroom was filled with emotion as witnesses recounted the deep impact of the loss on the family and community.
In a heart-wrenching victim impact statement read during the sentencing, Lorena Dague, Sebastian’s mother, recalled her son’s endearing qualities, including his radiant smile and infectious laughter. “The short 18 months I had with Sebastian will never be enough, but I cherish every single minute we shared together,” she stated, expressing both her grief and the anger she felt towards Gardner. Dague poignantly told him, “You took away a sweet and innocent life, and you shattered a family.”
Despite her fury, Dague expressed a desire to forgive Gardner for her own peace of mind and for the sake of her other children. This commendable act of forgiveness has highlighted the complexity of emotions that often accompany such profound loss, where grief intertwines with the wish for healing.
State Attorney R.J. Larizza spoke critically of Gardner’s choices, highlighting the tragic irony of the situation. “An 18-month-old child suffered greatly and died while in the custody and care of his father,” he commented. Larizza expressed that Gardner’s decision to drink alcohol and get a haircut instead of ensuring the safety of his son was a deeply selfish act that culminated in a devastating loss.
The case has raised important discussions regarding parental responsibilities and the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, particularly during hot weather. Many community leaders are now advocating for increased awareness and education to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As Gardner begins his lengthy prison sentence, the scars of this tragedy will remain with both the family and the wider community. The heartfelt pleas of Sebastian’s mother serve as a poignant reminder of the responsibility that comes with parenthood and the devastating consequences that can arise from neglect. The hope is that others will learn from this heartbreaking event and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable children across the nation.