Madeline Soto case: Potential evidence revealed in Florida teen’s death investigation
Video above: Stephan Sterns, prime suspect in Madeline Soto case, has trial date pushed to August
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Attorneys for Stephan Sterns, the man accused of murdering 13-year-old Madeline Soto in February, requested state prosecutors turn over evidence collected by law enforcement as part of the Florida teen’s murder investigation.
Court documents filed in Osceola County court this month show what the potential evidence, handed over as part of the discovery process, entails. In discovery, both parties interview witnesses and review reports and documents involved in the case before heading to trial.
Stephan Sterns charged with first-degree murder in the death of Madeline Soto
In response to the defense’s request, a five-page document shows what potential evidence the state has in their possession. Police reports, search warrants and forensic photos are included among the items on the list.
The list includes a “ME report,” which is presumably the medical examiner’s report. The medical examiner said last month that the office will not release Madeline Soto’s cause of death.
The state sent over three applications for “mobile tracking devices” — and the authorization for installation — on three vehicles: a 2010 Lincoln MKZ, a 2012 Honda Civic and a 2022 Nissan. There was also a search warrant for the MKZ.
The Lincoln model matches the photo and description of the vehicle Sterns was spotted driving on the day Madeline Soto disappeared.
Law enforcement also obtained search warrants for Discord, Instagram and Google accounts, listing usernames that suggest that they could be connected to the teenager.
The list gives new insight into the law enforcement investigation into Madeline Soto’s death. Sterns is charged with first degree murder in connection to her death, but police have not publicly disclosed a potential motive.
Sterns was arrested after a search warrant turned up “concerning images” on his phone. He was charged with 60 child sex crimes, including sexual battery, lewd and lascivious molestation and possession of child pornography. The trial for the child sex crimes case is scheduled for August.
Sterns is due back in court for a pretrial meeting on July 10. The murder trial is set to begin on July 16.
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