An Arizona man who was awaiting sentencing for the death of his two-year-old daughter after leaving her in a hot car has been found dead, in what authorities believe may have been a suicide.
Christopher Ryan Scholtes, 38, was due to be sentenced to decades behind bars after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the death of his daughter, Parker. However, he failed to appear at a court hearing on Wednesday – the same day his body was discovered inside a Phoenix home, according to ABC 15.
Police are now investigating his death as a possible suicide. Scholtes had faced a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison, without the possibility of parole, with his hearing scheduled for November 21, according to AZFamily.
Child Left in Hot Car for Over Three Hours
The tragic case dates back to July of last year, when Parker was found dead in the driveway of the family’s home during a brutal heatwave. Temperatures had reached 109 degrees Fahrenheit (42 degrees Celsius) that day.
Christopher Scholtes. Credit: Pima County
Investigators later determined that Parker had been strapped into her car seat for nearly three and a half hours while her father remained inside the house. During that time, Scholtes was reportedly drinking alcohol, playing video games, and watching adult content.
Authorities said the toddler was only discovered after Scholtes’ wife returned home and reminded him via text message to stop leaving their children in the car.
History of Neglect Revealed by Other Children
During the investigation, Scholtes’ two surviving children told police that their father regularly left them all inside the car while he was at home. According to AZFamily, one of the children said Scholtes “got distracted by playing his game and putting his food away” on the day Parker died.
The shocking admissions seemed to highlight a pattern of neglect that prosecutors said ultimately cost the toddler her life.
Credit: Pima county
Plea Deal Accepted Before His Death
Initially, Scholtes rejected a plea agreement offered by prosecutors. However, after reconsideration, he accepted the deal earlier this year and entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder.
Under the terms of that plea, he faced a minimum of 16 years and a maximum of 30 years in prison. He was awaiting formal sentencing when he was found dead.
Investigation Into Death Ongoing
The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed that an autopsy will be conducted, with the official report expected within 90 days. Authorities have not released additional details about how Scholtes died but confirmed that preliminary findings point to suicide.
The case had already drawn widespread outrage and sorrow across Arizona, highlighting the dangers of leaving children in vehicles, even for short periods. According to child safety advocates, temperatures inside a parked car can rise by 20 degrees within ten minutes, quickly becoming lethal for small children.
For Parker’s grieving family, Scholtes’ death brings an abrupt and painful close to a case that has haunted the community for more than a year.
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