A Georgia father is facing serious criminal charges after his two-year-old son tragically died from being left inside a sweltering vehicle for several hours in what authorities describe as a preventable tragedy.
Nick Scholtes, 37, has been charged with second-degree murder and child cruelty following the death of his young son Parker on September 13th. According to police reports, the father allegedly left his toddler unattended in a hot car for approximately three hours while he was inside their home watching pornography.
Sweltering Conditions Prove Fatal
Emergency services were called to the family's residence in Johns Creek, Georgia, around 3:30 pm after Parker was discovered unresponsive in the vehicle. Despite frantic efforts by first responders, the child was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators revealed that temperatures inside the car had reached dangerous levels, estimated between 43-49°C during the time Parker was left alone. The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the cause of death as hyperthermia - the medical term for overheating.
Father's Disturbing Admission
Court documents paint a troubling picture of the events leading to Parker's death. Scholtes reportedly told police he had returned home with his son around 12:30 pm but failed to bring the toddler inside with him.
Instead, the father allegedly went into the house and consumed pornography for several hours while completely forgetting about his young son remaining in the vehicle. It wasn't until hours later that he realised his devastating mistake.
Community in Mourning
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with neighbours expressing both grief and disbelief. Parker is remembered as a vibrant two-year-old whose life was cut short in the most heartbreaking circumstances.
Child safety advocates have used this tragedy to remind parents and caregivers about the critical importance of never leaving children unattended in vehicles, especially during warm weather months when temperatures can become lethal within minutes.
Scholtes remains in custody at Fulton County Jail as the investigation continues and the community mourns the loss of young Parker Scholtes.
