Kissimmee, Florida – A Florida man, Stephan Sterns, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of 13-year-old Madeline Soto, according to Osceola County Jail records. Sterns, 38, was initially arrested on Feb. 28 on unrelated charges and now faces additional charges related to Soto’s death, which occurred between Feb. 25 and Feb. 27.
During a news conference, Kissimmee Police Chief Betty Holland stated, “The evidence shows an individual that was entrusted to keep Madeline safe made calculated moves to dispose Madeline’s belongings and place her body in a wooded area before she was ever reported missing.” Sterns was previously considered the “prime suspect” in Soto’s disappearance in February and was arrested on charges of sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Further investigation through a Digital Forensics Unit revealed criminal and sexual images and videos on Sterns’ phone. He has also been charged with multiple counts of sexual battery and possession of materials depicting sexual performance by a child. Court documents suggest that Sterns may have abused Maddie for years prior to her disappearance and death.
Although Sterns is the only individual currently charged in connection with Soto’s case, the investigation remains active, according to Will Jay, the Homicide Unit chief for the State Attorney’s Office for the 9th Judicial Circuit. Sterns was the last person to see Soto before her disappearance on Feb. 26 when he dropped her off near her school. When her mother went to pick her up later that day, Soto was nowhere to be found.
The possibility of seeking the death penalty against Sterns is still under consideration, as confirmed by State Attorney Andrew Bain. Sterns remains in the Osceola County Jail without bond.