The boyfriend of Madeline Soto’s mother has been charged with the 13-year-old’s murder.
Stephan Sterns, 37, was charged with first-degree murder on Wednesday, April 24, according to Osceola County, Florida court records show.
The offense date is listed as Feb. 25, 2024. Soto was found in a wooded area on March 1 following a four-day search after being reported missing on Feb. 26. The teenager had just celebrated her 13th birthday on Feb. 22, per the Orlando Sentinel.
While speaking in a press conference on April 24, Florida State Attorney Andrew Bain confirmed officials weren’t sure whether they would request the death penalty for Sterns.
“We’re going to continue those discussions going forward, and we will let you know again when we make that decision as to whether we’re going to see the death penalty in this case,” Bain confirmed outside the Osceola County Courthouse.
Kissimmee Police Department didn’t immediately respond when approached by PEOPLE.
Before the teenager’s body was found, Sterns was arrested and charged with sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said, as previously reported by PEOPLE.
Police reportedly found photos and videos of Sterns sexually abusing a child victim after searching his phone.
In an arrest affidavit, police alleged that Sterns had abused Madeline in 2022, when she was 11 years old, per WESH, WFLA and FOX 35. The Associated Press reported that Sterns’ public defender has now filed a motion to delay the trial relating to those charges.
Hang the bastard
So mom is so desperate for a boyfriend she sacrificed her daughter? They need to charge her too. Give him the death penalty and not 20 years from now.
Why was the POS still allowed around her after the first charge?
Because our Judicial system is inept and incompetent…. like so many other things run by modern day Americans.
As usual, there is only one cure for pedophiles, sex offenders, and murderers, especially against children, and it only costs 10 cents! You can get them by the thousands, it’s quick, easy, and permanent! There are far to many running the streets, and at least one is in the Whitehouse!
What’s going on in Florida
I think too much sun