KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Stephan Sterns, the Florida man facing accusations of murdering his girlfriend’s 13-year-old daughter, Madeline Soto, is set to attend a court hearing on Monday afternoon. The arraignment will occur before an Osceola County judge, where Sterns will receive formal notice of the criminal charges against him and have the opportunity to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
Last week, Sterns was indicted by a grand jury on a first-degree murder charge in connection to Madeline’s death, which occurred between Feb. 25 and Feb. 27, 2024. Madeline’s body was discovered days later on March 1 in rural Osceola County.
Additionally, Sterns is facing charges of sexual battery with a child, capital sexual battery, and possession of material depicting sexual performance by a child. These charges stem from the investigation into Madeline’s disappearance. Sterns has waived appearances for separate charges related to child porn possession, sexual battery of a child, and lewd or lascivious molestation.
Madeline was reported missing on Feb. 26 after her mother went to pick her up from school and was informed that Madeline had not been in class that day. Authorities do not believe Madeline ever made it to school on that day.
Law enforcement officials have not released details on how Madeline was killed or what happened to her, including her autopsy report, due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.
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.”
The arraignment for Sterns is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. as this story continues to develop. Check back for updates.
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