Stephan Sterns, the boyfriend of Madeline Soto’s mother, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of the 13-year-old Florida girl. Madeline’s body was found in Osceola County, Florida, almost two months after she was reported missing. Sterns was the last confirmed person to see Madeline on the morning of her disappearance.
A grand jury charged Sterns with first-degree murder on Wednesday, according to Osceola County court records and officials. Details on how Madeline was killed have not been released, including her autopsy report, citing the ongoing investigation.
In a statement, Kissimmee Police Chief Betty Holland said: “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.”
Florida State Attorney Andrew Bain said prosecutors are now deciding whether or not they’ll seek the death penalty against Stephan Sterns, if and when the case goes to trial.
Soto vanished on Monday, February 26, after her mother’s boyfriend reportedly dropped her off at Peace United Methodist Church on Town Loop Boulevard, just a few blocks away from Hunter’s Creek Middle School, which she attended.
Soto’s mom has not been named an official person of interest or suspect in her daughter’s disappearance or death, and has not been charged with anything related to her daughter’s disappearance or death.
