An Arizona man connected to a tragic case involving his daughter’s death in a hot car has been found dead. Christopher Ryan Scholtes, 38, was discovered deceased early Wednesday morning in Phoenix. Authorities are treating the incident as a potential suicide.
Details Surrounding the Death of Christopher Ryan Scholtes
Scholtes was found at approximately 5 a.m. in a home located near 7th Street and Northern Avenue. His death follows a series of serious legal battles stemming from the death of his 2-year-old daughter, who died after being left in a hot car last summer.
Background of the Case
- Incident Date: July 9, 2024
- Location: Near Paseo Rancho Acero and Paytons Court, Marana, AZ
- Temperature: Reached 109 degrees that day
On that fateful day, police and firefighters were dispatched to a residence where they found the young girl unresponsive in the backseat of a vehicle. An autopsy later revealed that her body temperature was 108.9 degrees at the time of her death. Initially, Scholtes claimed that he left his daughter in the vehicle with the air conditioning on while he briefly went inside. However, security footage indicated that she had been unattended for nearly three hours.
Plea Deal and Sentencing
Christopher Ryan Scholtes accepted a plea agreement the previous month, admitting guilt to second-degree murder and child abuse charges. The agreement stipulated a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison for both offenses. Scholtes was expected to report to authorities later on the same day of his death, with a sentencing date set for November 21.
Statements from Family
Scholtes had other children, aged 5 and 9, who revealed troubling details. They mentioned that their father frequently left them in the car for extended periods. According to them, he often became distracted by various activities, such as playing video games.
Public Response and Subsequent Actions
Following the incident, Scholtes drew public scrutiny when he was allowed to travel to Maui with his wife and daughters, less than a year after his daughter’s death. This led to widespread debate about his actions and decisions following the tragedy.
As the investigation into his death unfolds, the community continues to grapple with the implications of this deeply saddening case.
