GUILTY Arizona girl, 2, left in car by father on 109-degree day and is found dead #2 (guilty plea, father found dead 5 November 2025 before sentencing)

[steeltowngirl]

His Guilty Plea was signed off by the State on 10/20 & accepted by the court on 10/22. It included his sentencing perimeters. I’m not sure I understand why the conviction wouldn’t stand now that he won’t be sentenced which was basically a formality.

Doing some reading on this, since others have died by suicide after conviction, but prior to sentencing. Michael Marin, Edward Leclair, Jeffrey Ferris all died in the courthouse or jail immediately after conviction.

It appears that there is a legal concept call abatement ab initio, where a sentence is vacated if an appeal hasn’t been completed.

Ken Lay of Enron’s conviction was vacated, as he died of a heart attack and therefore was not alive to be sentenced, nor could pursue an appeal of his guilty verdict.

Aaron Hernandez died while appealing, and initially had his conviction vacated, but it was later reinstated.

I don’t know if the concept applies in the Scholtes case as he plead guilty. Did his plea agreement explicitly state no appeals could be made?

Michael Marin was in Maricopa County, Arizona. I wonder if his conviction was upheld?

Maybe one of our verified attorney members will weigh in.

Michael Marin, Arizona man, dies moments after being convicted in arson case

A video recording of Michael Marin's last moments in court has some officials wonder whether his death was a suicide

www.cbsnews.com

Judge Throws Out Kenneth Lay’s Conviction (Published 2006)

Federal District Judge Simeon Lake 3d voids fraud and conspiracy conviction of former Enron executive Kenneth Lay, who died in July, ruling Lay cannot pursue appeal; decision, which was expected, prevents government from trying to seize more than $43.5 million from Lay's estate that prosecutors...

www.nytimes.com

 

[SMK777]

Sorry if already posted:

 

[NuttMegg]

@13:15 the Puma County's Attorney's office speaks directly to the girls who lost their father, something Lauren said she has never seen before.
I find her presser ludicrous and offensive, who the hell is she?
Brings God in? OMG

Lauren also said that Parker had been referred to as a boy.

The attorney also said she died last July.
Huh..last July was 2025 and Parker was killed in July 2024.

She doesn't refer to "Parker" by name, instead"the 2 yr old baby girl"."baby girl" "this baby girl" "this little girls older sisters"
imo

I see why some of her statements would put someone off. I thought she was kind, but I wondered thru her address if it was her, or her office that was so lenient on him in the first place, allowing him time to plan and execute an escape route for himself, which obviously contributed to the pain of the family that the spokesperson (county attorney?) was lamenting.

 

[steeltowngirl]

Is there a reason to push to to keep the conviction? There are cases where some insurance funds may come into play one way or the other. I don't know if that is the case here. What difference does it make at this point?

Keeping the conviction upholds justice for Parker.

JMO

 

[steeltowngirl]

I see why some of her statements would put someone off. I thought she was kind, but I wondered thru her address if it was her, or her office that was so lenient on him in the first place, allowing him time to plan and execute an escape route for himself, which obviously contributed to the pain of the family that the spokesperson (county attorney?) was lamenting.

I wonder if the DA's office will ever address why they were lenient with CS by letting him out without posting bond, allowing him to go to Maui, and letting him stay home instead of taking him into custody after his guilty plea.

 

[tlcya]

I wonder if the DA's office will ever address why they were lenient with CS by letting him out without posting bond, allowing him to go to Maui, and letting him stay home instead of taking him into custody after his guilty plea.

I thought that was the judge's call? Did the prosecution not fight those things and were overruled? Because I thought that was how things went down. I thought I remember the state objecting quite strenuously to his release, to the vacay, all of it. I KNOW they objected to him not being taken into custody.
--------------------------------------------------
The state requested a $1 million bond for Scholtes, citing concerns about a lack of truthfulness while speaking with authorities after the death of his 2-year-old.
[snip]
The judge determined Scholtes does not pose a danger to the community and ordered his release to pretrial services.
Father of 2-year-old that died in hot car released with no bond

But the Pima County Attorney’s office contested the request and responded:

“The public record would show that the defendant and his counsel requested permission from the court to travel out-of-state. Our prosecutors strenuously objected. The court granted permission over our objection.”
Marana father charged with hot car death of daughter allowed Hawaii trip

 

[mickey2942]

I wonder if the DA's office will ever address why they were lenient with CS by letting him out without posting bond, allowing him to go to Maui, and letting him stay home instead of taking him into custody after his guilty plea.

I think that we all know the answer to this. Especially, in light of the complete and through investigation done by Marana PD.

CPS should have been called and intervened. But it looks like if they did, the file was closed without further followup.

I have seen parents reported to CPS for picking up their kids late from daycare. CS's lapses were far more serious, with little to no consequences.

This same lack of accountability is evident by the lenient treatment CS received. He wasn't even arrested the day his daughter died, which is usually routine in these cases.

And I can't remember a case where the accused went to Hawaii, and was not arrested on the day of the plea. On and on...

Some people are treated differently. But Marana PD went with facts. That is what earned him the "conviction". Even if he was not actually sentenced.

 

[steeltowngirl]

I thought that was the judge's call? Did the prosecution not fight those things and were overruled? Because I thought that was how things went down. I thought I remember the state objecting quite strenuously to his release, to the vacay, all of it. I KNOW they objected to him not being taken into custody.
--------------------------------------------------
The state requested a $1 million bond for Scholtes, citing concerns about a lack of truthfulness while speaking with authorities after the death of his 2-year-old.
[snip]
The judge determined Scholtes does not pose a danger to the community and ordered his release to pretrial services.
Father of 2-year-old that died in hot car released with no bond

But the Pima County Attorney’s office contested the request and responded:

“The public record would show that the defendant and his counsel requested permission from the court to travel out-of-state. Our prosecutors strenuously objected. The court granted permission over our objection.”
Marana father charged with hot car death of daughter allowed Hawaii trip

You are right @tlcya! I misspoke. I appreciate you noting this correction. It would be the Court who would speak for the judge's actions, not the attorney's office. I suppose we won't hear more from any of them about it.

 

[NuttMegg]

I thought that was the judge's call? Did the prosecution not fight those things and were overruled? Because I thought that was how things went down. I thought I remember the state objecting quite strenuously to his release, to the vacay, all of it. I KNOW they objected to him not being taken into custody.
--------------------------------------------------
The state requested a $1 million bond for Scholtes, citing concerns about a lack of truthfulness while speaking with authorities after the death of his 2-year-old.
[snip]
The judge determined Scholtes does not pose a danger to the community and ordered his release to pretrial services.
Father of 2-year-old that died in hot car released with no bond

But the Pima County Attorney’s office contested the request and responded:

“The public record would show that the defendant and his counsel requested permission from the court to travel out-of-state. Our prosecutors strenuously objected. The court granted permission over our objection.”
Marana father charged with hot car death of daughter allowed Hawaii trip

Start at 17:25, the atty explains why it was unusual to let him go free after the plea. And that the prosecution had to sign off on it. So there were different phases, ie after the event, then Hawaii fiasco. Then acceptance of plea deal.

 

[tlcya]

You are right @tlcya! I misspoke. I appreciate you noting this correction. It would be the Court who would speak for the judge's actions, not the attorney's office. I suppose we won't hear more from any of them about it.

I still can't get over how slanted his treatment appeared to be from the judge. Just hard to wrap my mind around all that special treatment. It boggles.

 

[realanastasia]

It strikes me as the height of selfishness that CS may have self-exited at the family's new home in Phoenix, which they (presumably) moved into to avoid the children growing up in the Marana home that would've always been associated with Parker's death. Are the children going to have to move homes yet again?!

If nothing else, CS was consistent--even in choosing his manner and place of death, he managed to flaunt his disregard for his children's wellbeing.

 

[Simply Caustic]

This case has been polarizing, in part, because Parker’s mother strongly advocated for her husband (to be granted bond, take a family vacation, not be criminally charged for his so-called ‘mistake’); this contributed to a publicly acknowledged estrangement between Grandma and Uncle (maternal side), who felt that Parker’s death should be the forefront concern, not the father who was responsible for her death. However, he was facing murder charges - a very real threat to his future, wherein even a plea deal would’ve been tantamount to losing any chance of watching his children grow up as a free man, and familial support is invaluable in such cases.
I have put this as dispassionately as possible for anyone just coming across the case and checking in now that it’s gaining extra media attention due to his suicide.
One thing I think everyone can agree on is that these children have faced staggering losses in their short lives, and deserve the love and support of their family and community now and in the future JMO
Links:
Links about ES, court
Request for bond
Hawaii trip granted
Grandma memorial for Parker, advocacy

 

[NuttMegg]

It strikes me as the height of selfishness that CS may have self-exited at the family's new home in Phoenix, which they (presumably) moved into to avoid the children growing up in the Marana home that would've always been associated with Parker's death. Are the children going to have to move homes yet again?!

Yes, if it was my family.

 

[airportwoman]

I don't think anyone takes suicide lightly. We don't know much about CS's family, parents, siblings, extended family. I grieve for their loss and hope people will treat them with kindness.

On average, one suicide affects 135 other people, friends, siblings, acquaintances.

And if anyone feels hopeless or alone, help is always available.

988 Lifeline

At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life’s challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns…

988lifeline.org

I have a feeling that the only person grieving him is Erika, if that.

 

[SMK777]

I think that we all know the answer to this. Especially, in light of the complete and through investigation done by Marana PD.

CPS should have been called and intervened. But it looks like if they did, the file was closed without further followup.

I have seen parents reported to CPS for picking up their kids late from daycare. CS's lapses were far more serious, with little to no consequences.

This same lack of accountability is evident by the lenient treatment CS received. He wasn't even arrested the day his daughter died, which is usually routine in these cases.

And I can't remember a case where the accused went to Hawaii, and was not arrested on the day of the plea. On and on...

Some people are treated differently. But Marana PD went with facts. That is what earned him the "conviction". Even if he was not actually sentenced.

All of which likely played a big factor in his suicide. Once the gravy train ended, it was time to exit.

 

[abyquinn]

I haven’t followed this case and I’m sure this dad was negligent, deserved to pay for his crimes, but some of the comments in this thread are pretty disturbing. This whole case is extremely tragic

Saying the dad was negligent and deserved to pay for his crimes is such an understatement in this case. He murdered his baby daughter, through Child Abuse that he had been getting away with over and over for 10 years or more. His oldest is now almost 18. He left her alone in the car while he worked as a bartender before she turned 7.

It is tragic for baby Parker who died bc her father forgot he had a 2 year old for over 3 hours in a nice cool house while she baked in a hot car, after he intentionally left her there to nap. It’s tragic for her sisters who have had so much loss in their young lives (including the 17 yr old). It’s tragic for his wife who seems to be under some delusional spell that caused her to put her husband before her little girls. Tragic for Parker’s grandmother who lost her daughter and grandchildren for siding with Parker instead of Christopher.

They asked friends & family for help with attorney fees - and yet Christopher wouldn’t get a job, apparently a job would’ve interfered with his PlayStation time!

It’s also confusing for those of us who have watched this man-child, charged with 1st Degree Murder & Child Abuse spend 16 mos free as a bird after murdering his baby. The DA asked for Christopher be jailed at his arraignment but the Judge declined. He was free on no bond (The DA asked for $1M), no monitor and no restrictions aside from guns, drugs, booze & supervision with children. He lived in a home with 2 children he had also abused. He took a Hawaiian vacation in May after declining to take a very generous plea offered by the state (The DA asked for his PassPort & the judge declined).

Several WS have been commenting for weeks about the probability of Christopher not showing up to turn himself in. Seriously, the Mexican border is a very short drive from anywhere in Southern AZ. The State stipulated Christopher was to turn himself in when he signed the Plea. The judge overruled that and gave him another 2 weeks at the defendant’s request. Now he’s dead. Yes, we’ve had a lot to say about this case, this defendant & his supporters and this judge. None of it was inappropriate IMO

 

[mickey2942]

I have a feeling that the only person grieving him is Erika, if that.

My own opinion is that when information about the affair with the neighbor came out, maybe things significantly cooled down.

If I was working, and my SAHH was going over to the Neighbor's house to "play house", it would be over for me, in a heartbeat. I don't know. ES seemed to be persistent in her unwavering support of CS. Who knows why?!

 

[iamshadow21]

Is there a reason to push to to keep the conviction? There are cases where some insurance funds may come into play one way or the other. I don't know if that is the case here. What difference does it make at this point?

Because Parker's life mattered, and he pled guilty to killing her in a court of law whilst of sound mind and not under coercion, with appropriate legal representation by his side while he did it. There shouldn't be any 'take backsies' on that because he made the calculated choice to kill himself to not serve the time he would have been sentenced to under that agreement.

Also, we've seen how criminal trial results can factor into civil case results, and his eldest deserves the best possible outcome after her abuse at the hands of both CS and ES. If he is ruled legally responsible for Parker's death, that helps.

MOO

 

[nighttimesleuth]

I could almost put that down to be deranged by grief, feeling unable to cope alone and believing that it would be worse for the children to lose Parker and their dad all at once, after the worst thing possible has already happened.

I don't know enough about Arizona personally, but I'm still skeptical there were many avenues open to ES before the worst case scenario, that would have reliably, realistically empowered her to keep her children fully safe.

She could have sent them to daycare or hired a nanny if she was worried she couldn't divorce and get custody. There is a lot she could have done. She had the power in regards to finances and also had evidence of his dangerous behavior if she had to take it further. I say this as someone who knows how very difficult it is to get "custody" but there were efforts she could have taken. She took none. She didn't even take away the car when she knew he was driving the kids while he was wasted.

 

[airportwoman]

My own opinion is that when information about the affair with the neighbor came out, maybe things significantly cooled down.

If I was working, and my SAHH was going over to the Neighbor's house to "play house", it would be over for me, in a heartbeat. I don't know. ES seemed to be persistent in her unwavering support of CS. Who knows why?!

Wait. He had an AFFAIR?

Something must have been seriously wrong with this (I assume) woman, to even want a man like this! Ewwww.