Ormond Man Sentenced 42 Years for Child’s Hot Car Death

Ormond Beach resident Scott Gardner was sentenced to 42 years in prison on Thursday following the death of his infant son in a hot car last year. Gardner, 34, pleaded no contest to three charges in relation to the incident. According to prosecutors, Gardner parked his truck on June 6, 2025 to get a haircut and patronize a bar in Ormond Beach. During this time he’s said to have left his 18-month-old son in the truck with no air conditioning. Sebastian, the victim, had a body temperature as high as 111 degrees per an analysis by medical personnel. Gardner was said to have first driven to his mother’s house before calling 911. Upon arrival he called for emergency response personnel, but it’s believed Sebastian had already been dead for at least an hour. While he was in the car, Sebastian reportedly had the windows open with a small fan. Neither measure appeared to have much effect. As part of his arrangement with prosecutors, Gardner entered a no contest plea to second degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and child neglect causing great bodily harm. Circuit Judge Kathryn Weston, who presided over Gardner’s case, advised him she believed a life sentence would’ve been appropriate. Gardner was arrested on June 19, 2025. He was initially charged with first degree murder. This charge was reduced to second degree murder as part of the deal. The minimum sentence for second degree murder in Florida is 16 and 3/4 years in prison without the chance of parole. “There is no cause for celebration in resolving this case,” said State Attorney R.J. Larizza. “An 18-month-old child suffered greatly and died while in the custody and care of his father. The father chose to drink and get a haircut instead of loving and protecting his son. A totally vulnerable and defenseless child died because of the selfish vanity of his dad.”