Arizona Dad Whose Daughter, 2, Died in Hot Car While He Searched for Porn Is Found Dead Ahead of Sentencing

Arizona Father Found Dead Before Sentencing in Daughter’s Hot Car Death

Christopher Scholtes, 38, was discovered dead in a Phoenix residence on November 5, just days after pleading guilty to murdering his 2-year-old daughter, who had died in a parked car with interior temperatures reaching 109 degrees Fahrenheit. He was supposed to surrender to authorities that same day ahead of his sentencing scheduled for November 21.

According to the Maricopa County medical examiner’s office, the cause of death is under investigation, and an autopsy has been ordered with results expected in early 2026. Officers with the Phoenix Police Department located his body after responding to a call at 5:22 a.m.

“The body of Christopher Scholtes was discovered on November 5 following a reported emergency,” said Brian Bower of the Phoenix Police Department.

The Pima County Attorney’s Office has not yet commented on the case. Scholtes had unexpectedly pleaded guilty to murder only days before his trial was to begin. Prosecutors said the plea agreement called for a prison term of 20 to 30 years without the possibility of early release.

Pending Investigation

Authorities continue to examine circumstances surrounding Scholtes’s death. The situation has drawn renewed attention to the tragic case that began with the death of his daughter in a sweltering car in the family’s driveway.

Author’s Summary: The death of Christopher Scholtes, who pleaded guilty to killing his young daughter in a hot car, came just before his sentencing, leaving investigators searching for the cause.

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People People — 2025-11-06

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