PHOENIX — The former Marana dad who pleaded guilty to the murder of his 2-year-old daughter after leaving her to die in a hot car is dead.

Christopher Scholtes was supposed to appear in Pima County Superior Court, where he would be taken into custody as part of his plea agreement, but he didn't show up.

"This world is a better place without Christoper Scholtes,” said Kelli Fiolle in a one-on-one interview with 12News. “He abused my niece for years… this is justice."

>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.

Fiolle reacted to the news Scholtes is dead.

"He's not going to be missed by our family," Fiolle said.

Fiolle is the aunt of Scholtes' oldest daughter.

“I do feel sad for the other kids…" Fiolle said.

In July of 2024, Schol

See Full Page