What happened to Christopher Scholtes?

Christopher Scholtes, an Arizona man, pleaded guilty to murdering his 2-year-old daughter after she died in a hot car. He was found dead on November 5, 2025, just hours before he was scheduled to turn himself in for sentencing.

How did the 2-year-old daughter of Christopher Scholtes die?

The 2-year-old daughter of Christopher Scholtes died after being left in a hot car parked in the family's driveway on July 9, 2024. The temperature inside the vehicle was 109 degrees.

What was the status of Christopher Scholtes' case before his death?

Christopher Scholtes had pleaded guilty to murdering his 2-year-old daughter, surprising many just days before his trial was set to begin. He was facing between 20 and 30 years in prison under the terms of the plea deal.

Home / Crime and Justice / Father Accused of Toddler's Hot Car Death Found Dead Before Sentencing

Father Accused of Toddler's Hot Car Death Found Dead Before Sentencing

5 Nov

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Summary

Arizona man pleaded guilty to murdering 2-year-old daughter in hot car
Was found dead on Nov. 5, hours before he was to turn himself in for sentencing
Cause of death under investigation, autopsy results not expected until 2026

Father Accused of Toddler's Hot Car Death Found Dead Before Sentencing

On Nov. 5, 2025, police in Phoenix, Arizona discovered the body of 38-year-old Christopher Scholtes, who had pleaded guilty to murdering his 2-year-old daughter after she died in a hot car parked in the family's driveway. Scholtes was found deceased just hours before he was scheduled to turn himself in ahead of his Nov. 21 sentencing.

The Maricopa County Coroner's records show that Scholtes' cause of death is currently under investigation, and an autopsy will be performed, though the results are not expected until early 2026. Sgt. Brian Bower of the Phoenix Police Department confirmed that officers responded to a call at 5:22 a.m. on Nov. 5 and discovered Scholtes' body.