Kissimmee, Florida – Stephan Sterns faces first-degree murder charges in connection with the death of 13-year-old Madeline Soto, whose body was discovered in Osceola County nearly two months ago. Sterns, the boyfriend of Soto’s mother Jennifer Soto, was indicted by a grand jury on Wednesday for allegedly killing Soto between February 25 and February 27. Soto was initially reported missing on February 26 when her mother went to pick her up from school but was informed that she had not attended class that day. The circumstances surrounding Soto’s death, including how she was killed, remain undisclosed due to the ongoing investigation.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Kissimmee Police Chief Betty Holland expressed that the evidence indicated a caretaker had deliberately disposed of Soto’s belongings and concealed her body in a wooded area before she was even reported missing. Florida State Attorney Andrew Bain mentioned that Sterns would have his initial court appearance in the coming days and emphasized that he is the sole individual charged in Soto’s death at present. He also stated that there are no plea deals on the table and that the case remains active and under investigation.
It was mentioned that there is a possibility of the death penalty for Sterns, as prosecutors are deliberating whether to pursue it once the case proceeds to trial. The State Attorney’s Office is evaluating various factors to make this determination. Apart from the murder charge, Sterns is facing over 60 additional charges, including sexual battery, lewd and lascivious molestation, and possession of child pornography in a separate case.
Prior to his arrest, Sterns had long been under suspicion in Soto’s disappearance. The investigations have shifted from a missing person’s case to a suspected homicide, with authorities believing that Soto had likely passed away before being taken to school on February 26. The case was transferred to the Kissimmee Police Department after Soto’s body was found in a rural area of Osceola County. The details regarding her death, including the recovery of her belongings and electronic devices, continue to be the focus of the ongoing investigation.
A trial date was initially set for May 13 for Sterns, but a continuance was granted on April 24, rescheduling the trial for August 19. The prosecution and defense are likely to make further motions, leading to potential changes in the court schedule. The State Attorney’s Office has highlighted that if Sterns is convicted of sexual battery on a child under 12, he could face a life sentence, while the other charges could carry up to life in prison or a maximum of 15 years for each count. As the case progresses, further updates are expected to be released, shedding light on the tragic events surrounding Madeline Soto’s untimely death.