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Arizona father dies before he could be sentenced for child's hot car death
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TUCSON, Ariz. — The Arizona father who pleaded guilty for the murder of his 2-year-old daughter after leaving her to die in a hot car has died.
Christopher Scholtes was supposed to appear for a hearing in Pima County Superior Court November 5th to be taken into custody, as part of his plea agreement.
He failed to show as his attorney and prosecutors appeared to be concerned and emotional.
News 4 Tucson's Chief Investigative Reporter Chorus Nylander asked Deputy County Attorney Kim Hunley what happened as she was visibly emotional leaving court. Hunley said, "it was unexpected this morning, we will send out a news release."
Christopher Scholtes, Convicted in Daughter’s Hot Car Death, Dies
Christopher Scholtes, who pleaded guilty in the hot car death of his 2-year-old daughter has died, according to medical examiner records. (11/5/25) MORE
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Christopher Scholtes, convicted in daughter’s hot car death, dies
TUCSON, Ariz. (Scripps News Tucson/Court TV) — An Arizona father who pleaded guilty in the hot car death of his 2-year-old daughter has died, according to medical examiner records.
Following his guilty plea last month, Christopher Scholtes was due in court and set to be taken into custody today.
Scholtes pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder and one count of intentional/knowing child abuse under circumstances likely to cause death or serious physical injury in the 2024 death of his daughter, Parker, who investigators said spent almost three and a half hours strapped in a car seat.
Under the terms of his plea agreement, Scholtes faced consecutive sentences that meant he would be behind bars for 20-30 years. He was scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 21, and remain out of custody until Nov. 5.