The father who pleaded guilty in the death of his toddler after leaving her in a sweltering car for hours outside their former home in Marana died of carbon monoxide poisoning, authorities say.
The Nov. 5 death of Christopher Scholtes, 38, had already been declared a suicide.
On Wednesday, the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed Scholtes, whose body was found in the garage of the family's home in Phoenix, died of carbon monoxide poisoning. No further details were released.
Scholtes was facing up to 30 years in prison under a plea agreement in the death of his daughter, Parker.
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He was set to surrender the day his body was found, even though his sentencing was set to take place days later in Pima County Superior Court.
Scholtes was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder in July 2024 following the death of 2-year-old Parker.
A grand jury indictment later elevated his charge to first-degree murder. About a month before taking his own life, Scholtes accepted an agreement to plead guilty to second-degree murder and felony child abuse.
He faced a maximum of 30 years in prison.
