A Marana father pleaded guilty Wednesday to second-degree murder in the hot-car death of his young daughter outside the family’s home in 2024.
Christopher Scholtes will face up to 30 years in prison when he is sentenced next month.
The first-degree murder trial against Scholtes was set to begin next week; instead, he pleaded guilty in Pima County Superior Court to second-degree murder and felony child abuse.
In July 2024, Scholtes left his 2-year-old daughter, Parker, in a car for hours. The girl died of exposure, officials said.
Evidence showed he toted Parker to several stores earlier that day, in which he allegedly stole alcohol. He then went home and played video games, watched pornography and texted his wife.
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Scholtes was arrested after the incident but was released without bond, avoiding any time behind bars.
Christopher Scholtes
On Wednesday, Scholtes appeared in court clean-shaven and dressed in a suit. He showed no emotion during the hearing that lasted about 15 minutes.
Scholtes must turn himself in on Nov. 5. A sentencing hearing is set for Nov. 21.
County Attorney Laura Conover said sentences imposed by the judge will run consecutively, and Scholtes will face between 20 and 30 years in prison. He will not be eligible for early release and must serve 100% of his sentence, her office said.
“This is yet another reminder to the community that the Pima County Attorney’s Office will do everything we can to get justice for victims and prosecute those who have caused harm to others especially those who are most vulnerable,†Conover said in a news release.
“We are grateful for the hard work and dedication of our prosecutors, victim advocates, staff for their collaboration with local law enforcement on this complicated and high-profile case,†Conover said.
Parker was in her car seat on a sweltering hot Arizona summer day in July 2024.
