The Arizona father who pleaded guilty to murdering his two-year-old daughter was found dead on the day he was supposed to report to prison.
Christopher Scholtes, 38, admitted last month to murder and child abuse after his daughter, Parker, died after being left in a hot car for up to three hours on July 9, 2024, while he stayed inside playing video games. Temperatures that day reached 109°F. Scholtes claimed he left her only 30–45 minutes, saying she was sleeping, but an investigation found otherwise. Parker’s mother, Erika, discovered her and rushed her to Banner University Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.
Scholtes had pleaded guilty days before his trial and faced 20–30 years in prison under a plea deal. He was found dead on November 5, the same day he was to surrender, with Phoenix police confirming his death.
Pima County Attorney Laura Conover expressed condolences: “Instead of coming in to take account, we have confirmed the father took his own life. We extend our deepest sympathies to all who have suffered the loss of this beautiful baby girl and now another loss to his family.”