Christopher Scholtes, the father charged with murder for leaving his 2-year-old daughter in a hot car, has accepted a plea agreement.
Scholtes pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder and one count of intentional/knowing child abuse under circumstances likely to cause death or serious physical injury.
Under the terms of the plea, the post said, the sentences given by the judge are going to run consecutively. Scholtes will face a range of 20-30 years of flat time. He will not be eligible for early release and he must serve the full sentence imposed by the court.
The case drew widespread attention across Southern Arizona for its tragic circumstances and lengthy legal process.
The case began in May 2023, when Marana Police responded to Scholtes’ home after reports of an unresponsive child. Investigators say Scholtes’ one-year-old daughter died after being left in a parked car for several hours in extreme heat.
The following month, in June 2023, Scholtes was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and child abuse.
By July 2023, Scholtes had pleaded not guilty to all charges, with prosecutors signaling their intent to pursue the most severe penalties available.
Months later, in March 2024, he rejected an initial plea offer, which would have carried a sentence between 10 to 24 years, with Scholtes opting to instead face trial.
As part of the agreement, Scholtes will remain out of custody until November 5, when the court will determine when he will be taken into custody.
Sentencing will be determined by a Pima County Superior Court Judge on November 21, 2025.
