ORMOND BEACH, Fla. – An Ormond Beach man charged with first-degree murder in the hot car death of his 18-month-old son is due in court Thursday to enter a plea.
Scott Gardner, 33, is accused of leaving his son, Sebastian, in a truck for more than three hours on June 6, 2025, while he got a haircut and then spent nearly three hours drinking at Hanky Panky’s Lounge, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
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Medical personnel estimated Sebastian’s body temperature reached 111 degrees. Gardner did not call 911 until he drove home, deputies said.
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said Gardner later returned to the bar with his mother after Sebastian was pronounced dead. Gardner also initially provided several false accounts of what happened that day.
News 6 will be in court for the plea hearing and will provide updates.