Jacob Owens KVOA
Christopher Scholtes is accused of leaving his two-year-old daughter in a hot car for hours, leading to her death. His trial is scheduled for next month.
MARANA, Ariz. — Christopher Scholtes, a Marana man facing first-degree murder and child abuse charges, is set to go on trial on Oct. 27. Scholtes is accused of leaving his two-year-old daughter in a hot car for hours last July, leading to her death.
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Scholtes’ defense team filed a motion this week to delay the trial, but Pima County Superior Court Judge Kimberly Ortiz ruled Friday the date will remain unchanged.
MORE DETAILS: A father allegedly left his toddler in a hot car for up to four hours. Bodycam footage shows the police response to the home.
The defense’s request for a delay cited the unavailability of two potential witnesses, including a psychologist, during the trial as it is currently scheduled.
Scholtes’ attorney, Marc Adair, mentioned that his client might be open to a settlement before the trial starts. Earlier this year, Scholtes declined a plea deal for second-degree murder.
“In Chris’ case there was not sufficient time to fully grieve the loss of his daughter and then process the idea that he had to sign a deal that would require him to go spend the next ten to 25 years in prison,” Adair told Judge Ortiz.
Despite the recent ruling, Judge Ortiz has not ruled out the possibility of a future delay. The next hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 25, focusing on what evidence will be permitted during the trial.
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Jacob Owens KVOA Judge denies delay in trial for hot car death of Arizona 2-year-old www.12news.com
KPNX Arizona Local News Feed: crime 2025-09-20 02:55:43
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