FDLE launches investigation after Osceola County sheriff posts picture of body on social media

Shannon Butler,Nikki DeMarco
·2 min read
2

A Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation is now underway into a picture that was shared on a social media account belonging to the Osceola County sheriff.

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Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez shared a picture of what appeared to be Madeline Soto’s body on his Instagram account the morning after her body was found.

The picture was taken down a short time later.

Read: Osceola County Sheriff Lopez apologizes after social media post shows possible body of Madeline Soto

9 Investigates has followed this story since the beginning and has learned that FDLE is now investigating how this happened and has interviewed people involved, including those who found Soto’s body.

9 Investigates does not know how long the investigation will take or what, if any, charges could come from what appears to be a mistake,

The Sheriff’s Office told 9 Investigates that it was an accidental post on Instagram, but then told our partners at WDBO that it was not the body of Madeline Soto in that picture, just an area of interest where the body was found.

Read: Madeline Soto timeline: Only Channel 9 speaks with Maddie Soto’s father

Lopez called the claims that it was Soto a “political stunt.”

It is clear from the investigation that his claims are not true and, in fact, the body in the picture was dressed in clothing that matched the description of the clothes Soto was said to be wearing when she was reported missing.

Tyler Wallace, Soto’s biological father, told 9 Investigates that he did not see that picture, but he did have something to say about it.

Read: Madeline Soto’s biological father says he was blindsided by her death, seeks closure

“I hate that I live in a world where I have to call my parents and warn them that an internet troll might send them a picture of my dead daughter, and that they should just go ahead and start preparing for that possibility,” he said. “I hate that we live in that world.”

9 Investigates also asked FDLE for a comment on the selfie that Lopez’s executive director Nirva Rodriguez took with suspect Stephan Sterns after his arrest but has not heard back.

Meanwhile, local and state law enforcement agencies have been meeting to discuss the investigation into Sterns to determine if it is time to file more charges against him or anyone else who could be involved in the disappearance and death of Soto.

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The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said Friday evening that Madeline Soto’s body has been found. Investigators said Osceola County deputies found the missing 13-year-old girl’s body at about 4:30 p.m. in a wooded area along Hickory Tree Road.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said Friday evening that Madeline Soto’s body has been found. Investigators said Osceola County deputies found the missing 13-year-old girl’s body at about 4:30 p.m. in a wooded area along Hickory Tree Road.
Detectives believe Stephan Sterns killed 13-year-old Madeline Soto on Monday morning at a Kissimmee apartment complex.
Detectives believe Stephan Sterns killed 13-year-old Madeline Soto on Monday morning at a Kissimmee apartment complex.
Investigators discovered the body of 13-year-old Madeline Soto on Friday afternoon.
Investigators discovered the body of 13-year-old Madeline Soto on Friday afternoon.
Investigators discovered the body of 13-year-old Madeline Soto on Friday afternoon.
Investigators discovered the body of 13-year-old Madeline Soto on Friday afternoon.
Investigators discovered the body of 13-year-old Madeline Soto on Friday afternoon.
Investigators discovered the body of 13-year-old Madeline Soto on Friday afternoon.
Sources say that Maddie’s body was found in rural St. Cloud near Hickory Tree Road.
Sources say that Maddie’s body was found in rural St. Cloud near Hickory Tree Road.
Police and deputies canvassed the area of Osceola County for 13-year-old Madeline Soto.
Police and deputies canvassed the area of Osceola County for 13-year-old Madeline Soto.
The Kissimmee Police Department will handle the search for Madeline Soto, said Chief Betty Holland.
The Kissimmee Police Department will handle the search for Madeline Soto, said Chief Betty Holland.
The sheriff said the efforts will now shift to recovering her body.
The sheriff said the efforts will now shift to recovering her body.
Sheriff John Mina said he is confident that she is dead, and recovery efforts will continue.
Sheriff John Mina said he is confident that she is dead, and recovery efforts will continue.
Members of the community will gather to pray for 13-year-old Madeline Soto.
Members of the community will gather to pray for 13-year-old Madeline Soto.
Deputies in Orange County said 13-year-old Madeline Soto has been missing since Monday morning. And now, her mother’s boyfriend is in jail on charges of sexual battery and possession of child sex abuse material. Stephan Sterns was supposed to go before an Orange County judge Thursday morning but refused to be in court.
Deputies in Orange County said 13-year-old Madeline Soto has been missing since Monday morning. And now, her mother’s boyfriend is in jail on charges of sexual battery and possession of child sex abuse material. Stephan Sterns was supposed to go before an Orange County judge Thursday morning but refused to be in court.
More than 50 members of the Orange County Emergency Response Team looked for the 13-year-old in various areas as our detectives continued their investigation.
More than 50 members of the Orange County Emergency Response Team looked for the 13-year-old in various areas as our detectives continued their investigation.
More than 50 members of the Orange County Emergency Response Team looked for the 13-year-old in various areas as our detectives continued their investigation.
More than 50 members of the Orange County Emergency Response Team looked for the 13-year-old in various areas as our detectives continued their investigation.
Madeline Soto
Madeline Soto
Madeline Soto
Madeline Soto
Madeline Soto
Madeline Soto
Madeline Soto
Madeline Soto
Madeline Soto
Madeline Soto
Madeline Soto
Madeline Soto
Madeline Soto
Madeline Soto
Madeline Soto
Madeline Soto
Madeline Soto
Madeline Soto
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office on Friday confirmed that the body of Madeline Soto, 13, has been located.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office on Friday confirmed that the body of Madeline Soto, 13, has been located.