Arizona Father Faces Murder Charges After Toddler Dies in Hot Car

An Arizona father, Christopher Scholtes, is facing serious charges after his two-year-old daughter, Parker, was found dead in a hot car on July 9, 2024. Scholtes, aged 38, allegedly left Parker inside a parked 2003 Acura for over three hours while he engaged in video gaming, searched for pornography, and consumed beer. The temperature inside the vehicle reportedly soared to 109°F (43°C), highlighting the dangers of leaving children unattended in vehicles during extreme heat.

The trial for Scholtes is scheduled to commence on October 27, 2024. He faces charges of first-degree murder and intentional child abuse. Prosecutors planned to introduce evidence regarding Scholtes’ search for pornography during the trial; however, this request was denied by Judge Kimberly Ortiz. The judge ruled that any testimony related to the pornography search would not be permitted in the prosecution’s case, stating, “The State is precluded from eliciting testimony regarding the Defendant looking for pornography on the PlayStation before [his daughter’s] body is discovered.”

Scholtes initially claimed that he did not want to wake Parker after returning home from shopping around 12:30 p.m.. He contended he left the air conditioning running in the vehicle. However, evidence presented in court indicated that he became engrossed in video games until his wife, Erika Scholtes, returned at approximately 4 p.m. to find Parker unconscious. The child was subsequently transported to Banner University Medical Center, the hospital where her mother works, but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

According to police records, Scholtes was aware that the vehicle’s engine would shut off automatically after thirty minutes, raising questions about his decision-making. His two other daughters reportedly told law enforcement that he had a history of leaving them alone in the car while he became distracted by gaming or other activities. Surveillance footage later revealed that Scholtes had also left Parker unattended while he visited a gas station and grocery store, where he was allegedly seen stealing beer.

Text messages exchanged between Scholtes and his wife revealed a concerning pattern of neglect. Erika expressed her frustration, stating, “I told you to stop leaving them in the car,” and lamented the loss of their youngest daughter, who she described as “perfect.” In response, Scholtes reportedly apologized and implied responsibility for Parker’s death by saying he “killed our baby.”

Despite the severe charges against him, Erika has publicly maintained her support for her husband, labeling the incident a “big mistake.” Earlier this year, Judge Ortiz permitted Scholtes to travel to Hawaii with his family prior to the trial. He previously declined a plea deal and has entered a not guilty plea to both charges.

The tragic case underscores the critical risks associated with leaving children unattended in vehicles, especially during the peak of summer heat. As the trial approaches, it remains a poignant reminder of the need for heightened vigilance among parents and caregivers to prevent similar tragedies.