Christopher Scholtes, Convicted in Daughter’s Hot Car Death, Passes Away
An Arizona father, Christopher Scholtes, known for pleading guilty to the hot car death of his daughter, has passed away. His death was confirmed by medical examiner records.
Tragic Circumstances of Death
Scholtes faced serious charges following the 2024 death of his 2-year-old daughter, Parker. Reports indicated that Parker had spent nearly three and a half hours left unattended, strapped in her car seat.
In October 2025, Scholtes pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and intentional child abuse, charges stemming from this heartbreaking incident. As part of his plea agreement, he was looking at a sentence between 20 to 30 years in prison.
Upcoming Sentencing and Legal Troubles
He was scheduled for sentencing on November 21, 2025, and had been out of custody until November 5, the day of his untimely death.
Further complicating his legal situation, a lawsuit was filed against Scholtes and his wife. This suit alleges that the couple caused emotional distress to Scholtes’ oldest daughter from a previous relationship.
The Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Details about the circumstances surrounding Scholtes’ death have not yet been released. The Maricopa Medical Examiner’s office announced that a report on his passing will be available within the next 90 days.
During a recent court session led by Judge Kimberly Ortiz, proceedings were briefly paused following an unexpected meeting with attorneys. The judge confirmed that sentencing would remain set for November 21, despite the bizarre turn of events. A representative from the Pima County Attorney’s Office indicated that a statement regarding the situation would be forthcoming.
Moving to Maricopa County
Following the tragic incident involving his daughter, Scholtes relocated from Pima County to Maricopa County. This move came as he faced charges related to the hot car death of his daughter, Parker.
The case has drawn significant attention and raises important questions about child safety and legal accountability in tragic circumstances.
