An Arizona man who pleaded guilty his 2-year-old daughter’s death “took his own life” Wednesday morning ahead of sentencing.
Christopher Scholtes, 38, was found dead when he failed to turn himself in after his guilty plea, as CrimeOnline previously reported. His sentencing had been scheduled for November 21. He faced up to 30 years in prison.
He was found dead at his home early Wednesday morning.
The Pima County Attorney’s Office said Wednesday evening it had been told Scholtes killed himself, KNXV reported.
Scholtes pleaded guilty last month to second-degree murder and intentional child abuse likely to cause death or serious physical injury, in connection with the July 9, 2024, death of Parker Scholtes, 2. Temperatures that day soared to 109 degrees.
Investigators say he left the little girl alone in the car “to play” for more than three hours while he watched pornography, played video games, and sent his wife text messages. His other two children, ages 9 and 5, told investigators he often left them alone in the car to play.
Scholtes’ wife, a doctor, returned home at about 4 p.m. that afternoon and found Parker unresponsive in the car. Investigators also found multiple messages from his wife telling him to stop leaving the children in the car.
Scholtes had been ordered to turn himself in Wednesday morning ahead of sentencing. The Maricopa Medical Examiner’s office is conducting an autopsy on Scholtes and said a report will be available in three months.
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[Feature Photo: Christopher and Parker Scholtes/Facebook]
