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.

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.

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 s

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