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Father Dies by Suicide Before Sentencing for Daughter's Death

11/6/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On November 5, 2025, Christopher Ryan Scholtes, a 38-year-old Arizona father, was found dead in an apparent suicide hours before surrendering for sentencing.
He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and child abuse in the July 2024 death of his 2-year-old daughter Parker.
He faced a prison sentence of 20 to 30 years.
Investigators noted he had previously lied about the circumstances, saying he left the air conditioning running.

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Story summary

On November 5, 2025, Christopher Ryan Scholtes, a 38-year-old Arizona father, was found dead in an apparent suicide hours before surrendering for sentencing.
He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and child abuse in the July 2024 death of his 2-year-old daughter Parker.
He faced a prison sentence of 20 to 30 years.
Investigators noted he had previously lied about the circumstances, saying he left the air conditioning running.