Authorities in Arizona have confirmed that Christopher Scholtes, the 38-year-old father who pleaded guilty to his young daughter's death in a hot car, was found dead just hours before his sentencing hearing. The case, which had drawn national outrage and intense scrutiny, has now taken a tragic turn as investigators look into his apparent suicide.
According to USA Today, Scholtes had been scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday morning to be taken into custody ahead of his formal sentencing later this month. The Pima County Attorney's Office confirmed that Scholtes died on Tuesday night in central Phoenix. Officials said his death is being investigated as a suspected suicide, although final confirmation from the medical examiner is still pending.
