by Phoenix, AZ – A 38-year-old Arizona man died by suicide just hours before he was scheduled to begin a prison sentence for leaving his 2-year-old daughter, Parker, to die in a sweltering car last summer, authorities confirmed. The tragic events have sparked outrage and renewed attention on child safety in hot vehicles.
Father Found Dead in Garage
Christopher Scholtes was discovered in the garage of his Phoenix home around 5 a.m. on November 5, 2025, hours after he reportedly took his own life the night before. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner stated that the cause of death is believed to be carbon monoxide poisoning, though official confirmation is pending. Police and prosecutors have confirmed the death as a suicide.
Scholtes’ death eerily mirrored the circumstances of his daughter Parker’s death, who tragically perished after being left in a family car on a 109-degree day in July 2024. While the vehicle in which Scholtes died was different from Parker’s, the similarity in method drew intense public attention.
The Child’s Death
Parker died after being left in the vehicle for over three hours, while Scholtes remained inside the house, reportedly watching pornography, playing video games, and drinking alcohol. When first confronted by responding officers, Scholtes claimed he had left Parker in the car for no more than 45 minutes but admitted he was aware that the vehicle’s engine and air conditioning would automatically turn off after 30 minutes, a detail highlighting the deliberate nature of the neglect.
History of Neglect
Court documents and prior allegations indicate that Scholtes had a longstanding pattern of leaving children unattended in vehicles. His eldest daughter, now 17, claimed in a lawsuit that he routinely left her alone in cars for hours starting when she was under seven years old. Other children confirmed similar neglect, describing frequent instances of being left in cars while Scholtes went indoors.
Even Scholtes’ wife, Dr. Erika Scholtes, reportedly confronted him after Parker’s death, texting him: “How many times have I told you? I told you to stop leaving them in the car.” Scholtes replied, “Babe, I’m sorry. Babe, our family. How could I do this? I killed our baby, this can’t be real.”
Legal Proceedings
Scholtes had pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in October 2025 and faced up to 30 years in prison. His sentence was scheduled to begin on November 5, but he ended his life the night before.
Pima County Attorney Laura Conover condemned the timing of the suicide, stating, “This little girl’s voice was nearly silenced because justice was not served appropriately this morning.”
In addition to Parker, Scholtes left behind three other daughters. His eldest daughter also alleged physical abuse and financial exploitation, claiming that Scholtes falsified a conservatorship over her to collect government benefits. The lawsuit details the emotional and psychological trauma inflicted on his children over years of neglect and abuse.
Community and Safety Implications
The case has renewed discussions about the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles, particularly in extreme heat, and highlights the need for stricter oversight and preventive measures to protect minors from neglect.
How can families and communities better protect children from preventable tragedies like this? Comment below and let us know your ideas on improving child safety in hot vehicles and at home.
