Madeline Soto: Stephan Sterns charged with first-degree murder
An Osceola County grand jury returned a first-degree murder indictment Wednesday against Stephan Sterns in the killing of 13-year-old Madeline Soto, but State Attorney Andrew Bain said he has not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty.
Bain and Kissimmee Police Chief Betty Holland announced the charge at a press conference on the steps of the Osceola County Courthouse, with Holland calling the indictment “a crucial step forward in our quest for justice and a testament to our commitment to honoring Madeline’s memory.”
They did not reveal the cause of Madeline’s death or other details of the ongoing investigation involving Sterns, the longtime boyfriend of Madeline’s mother, Jennifer Soto.
“The evidence shows an individual that was entrusted to keep Madeline safe made calculated moves to dispose [of] Madeline’s belongings and place her body in a wooded area before she was ever reported missing,” Holland said. “For four days, following her disappearance, the entire community was actively looking to find Madeline safe and alive.”
Bain described the evidence as “voluminous.”
Sterns, 37, was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday on 60 previously filed sex abuse charges in the case, including capital sexual battery of a child, lewd or lascivious molestation, and unlawful possession of materials depicting the sexual performance of a child. Sterns’ public defender filed a motion to delay proceedings as they continue preparing their defense, which Circuit Judge Keith Carsten granted Wednesday morning.
Authorities said they found “disturbing pictures and videos” on Stern’s cell phone while searching for Madeline.
Madeline was reported missing Feb. 26 after her mother, Jennifer Soto, said she didn’t find the teen when she went to pick her up from school. That touched off a four-day search involving dozens of law enforcement officers, family, friends and members of the public.
Detectives, however, now believe Madeline was dead before she was supposed to be taken to school, pointing to video evidence — which has not been released — of Sterns early that morning driving a car appearing to contain her lifeless body, and tossing her belongings into an apartment complex dumpster.
Other video showed Sterns near Old Hickory Tree Road in St. Cloud later that day. Madeline’s body was eventually found nearby.
Bain would not say whether Jennifer Soto is suspected of any wrongdoing. Police previously said she has cooperated with detectives throughout the investigation.
Will Jay, chief of the State Attorney’s homicide unit, declined to answer most questions about the case, including when authorities believe the girl was killed. “Although an indictment has been returned, it is still an open and ongoing criminal investigation,” he said.
Bain said his office will continue discussing whether the death penalty is appropriate in this case.
