In Arizona, a man awaiting sentencing for the tragic death of his 2-year-old daughter has reportedly taken his own life, as authorities discovered on Wednesday morning.

Christopher Scholtes, age 38, was found deceased after he failed to surrender himself following his guilty plea. According to CrimeOnline, his sentencing was set for November 21, with a potential prison term of up to 30 years.

Authorities located Scholtes’ body at his residence early Wednesday.

The Pima County Attorney’s Office disclosed on Wednesday evening that they had been informed of Scholtes’ suicide, as reported by KNXV.

Last month, Scholtes admitted guilt to charges of second-degree murder and intentional child abuse, actions which were likely to result in death or severe injury, concerning the incident on July 9, 2024. On that day, temperatures soared to a scorching 109 degrees, leading to the untimely death of his daughter, Parker Scholtes.

Investigators say he left the little girl alone in the car “to play” for more than three hours while he watched pornography, played video games, and sent his wife text messages. His other two children, ages 9 and 5, told investigators he often left them alone in the car to play.

Scholtes’ wife, a doctor, returned home at about 4 p.m. that afternoon and found Parker unresponsive in the car. Investigators also found multiple messages from his wife telling him to stop leaving the children in the car.

Scholtes had been ordered to turn himself in Wednesday morning ahead of sentencing. The Maricopa Medical Examiner’s office is conducting an autopsy on Scholtes and said a report will be available in three months.

[Feature Photo: Christopher and Parker Scholtes/Facebook]