ASHLAND — Stanley Gardner, 71, was charged Friday with the murder of his son, Jason Gardner, who was found shot to death on Friday, Sept. 2 in a home across the street from Brookside West Park.
The bed-ridden Gardner attended Friday’s court hearing on Zoom, where he was charged with murder and had his bond set at $100,000.
Medics and police were called to Stanley Gardner’s home, in the 1200 block of County Road 1153, last week after his future daughter-in-law found him injured “like he was in a massive fight or something,” she told the 911 dispatcher.
Gardner’s face was covered in blood, his eyes were swollen shut, and his hand was swollen significantly when his daughter-in-law found him, according to the 911 call.
When deputies arrived, they discovered the body of Jason Gardner in the garage, apparently shot to death.
Investigators later discovered a note Stanley Gardner had written confessing to killing his son and his plans to then take his own life. But authorities say Gardner did not use a gun on himself.
2022-09-09_Gardner Press Release.pdf
Instead, Stanley Gardner attempted to take his own life by means other than a firearm, which combined with pre-existing medical ailments, resulted in his condition.
Ashland County Prosecutor Chris Tunnell said the Cuyahoga County Coroner’s office is still working to determine how many times Jason was shot.
Additionally, investigators found no signs of a struggle inside the home.
If convicted, Gardner would be sentenced to a life in prison with the option of parole after 15 years. His next hearing is Sept. 13 at 2:30 p.m.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gardner family,” Tunnell said. “This situation is a tragedy for all involved.”
