Christopher Scholtes runs errands, then heads inside once he’s home just before 1 p.m.
He leaves his 2-year-old daughter, Parker, in the running car in the driveway with the air conditioner on. Scholtes has a habit of leaving the children in the car alone and knows from previous experience his Acura MDX will automatically shut off the engine and air conditioner after 30 minutes.
Wife, Dr. Erika Scholtes, arrives home around 4pm and sees husband Chris and their two older daughters, ages 9 and 5, but doesn’t see Parker. Chris begins looking in all the rooms of the house, then suddenly runs outside.
The outside temperature is 109 degrees when 2-year-old Parker is removed from the vehicle unresponsive, strapped in her child restraint system.
Chris Scholtes calls 911 as Dr. Erika Scholtes performs CPR on her daughter. Parker is transported to the same hospital where her mother works as an anesthesiologist, Banner University Medical Center.
At 4:58 p.m., Parker is pronounced dead. Christopher Scholtes is charged with child abuse and second-degree murder.
Six months before his trial is to start, Scholtes is offered a plea deal from prosecutors that would require him to plead guilty to second-degree murder, but he would be sentenced to no more than 10 years in prison. Scholtes turns it down.
Days before his trial is to start, a shocking announcement: Scholtes agrees to plead guilty.
The Pima County Attorney’s office states that he will face 20 to 30 years in prison and is ineligible for parole.
Joining Nancy Grace today:
Additional Guest
- Josh Kolsrud – Criminal Defense Attorney and Former Assistant U.S. Attorney, Founder of Kolsrud Law Offices; Facebook and YouTube @KolsrudLawOffices
“Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” on Fox Nation is also a national radio show on SiriusXM channel 111, airing for two hours daily starting at 12 p.m. EST. You can also subscribe and download the daily podcasts at iHeart Podcasts.
[Feature Photo: Facebook]
