A Florida father, Scott Allen Gardner, 33, has been arrested in connection with the death of his 18-month-old son, Sebastian. Gardner stands accused of leaving the toddler in a truck for over three hours on a hot day while he got a haircut and went out for drinks at a bar. The tragic incident occurred on June 6 in Volusia County, where Sebastian was left in the truck with the windows slightly down and a small fan that proved ineffective in the scorching heat.
Gardner was taken into custody on charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child and child neglect causing great bodily harm. He is currently being held without bond at the Volusia County jail. The authorities have not confirmed whether Gardner has legal representation at this time.
Sheriff Michael Chitwood condemned Gardner’s actions, calling him a “human piece of garbage” and stating that there was no justification for the young boy’s death. According to Chitwood, Gardner spent nearly three hours at a bar while Sebastian was left unattended in the vehicle. When Gardner eventually returned to the truck and found his son unresponsive, he drove to his mother’s home and called 911.
Tragically, by the time emergency responders arrived, Sebastian had already passed away. The hospital reported that the child’s temperature was over 107 degrees, and authorities believe the car’s interior temperature reached 111 degrees. Gardner waited approximately two hours before seeking help for his son, a delay that likely contributed to the tragic outcome.
In a heartbreaking twist, Gardner returned to the same bar later that evening with his mother, unaware of the events that had transpired earlier. Sheriff Chitwood expressed outrage at Gardner’s actions and emphasized the severity of the crime committed.
The circumstances surrounding Sebastian’s death have shocked the community and raised questions about parental responsibility and negligence. The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of children at all times.
