Florida teen Madeline Soto’s cause of death has been revealed, shedding light on the tragic events that unfolded several months ago. According to documents obtained by WKMG, Madeline’s death has been ruled a homicide by strangulation. The 13-year-old was first reported missing on February 26 after she failed to arrive at her Orlando middle school. It was later discovered that her body had been dumped in a secluded wooded area in Osceola County, wearing the same clothes she had on before her disappearance.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department disclosed that Madeline was likely already deceased before the search for her began. The investigation led authorities to focus on Stephan Sterns, who was dating Madeline’s mother, Jenn Soto, at the time. Sterns, 37, was confirmed as the last person to have seen Madeline before she vanished. In an emotional interview with a local news channel on February 27, Sterns expressed his regret for not waiting longer when he dropped her off at school. However, he was later arrested and charged with murder.
Initially, Sterns faced charges of sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material, including explicit images and videos involving a young girl. Subsequently, he was also charged with first-degree murder. Detectives found evidence of child pornography and indications that Sterns had been sexually abusing Madeline since she was just 11 years old. Recently released investigative reports obtained by WKMG revealed that Sterns had allegedly been sleeping with Madeline in his room at the family’s Kissimmee home on the night before her death.
Authorities made significant discoveries following the recovery of Madeline’s body. Surveillance footage showed Sterns driving his car with the teen’s lifeless body still inside. He was seen disposing of items in a trash bin, including Madeline’s backpack and school-issued laptop. Further investigation revealed that Sterns had traveled to North Port, Florida, the day after Madeline went missing. This location holds significance as Sterns’ parents reside there, and he often stays at their house when not at the Soto residence. Detectives suspect that the trip was an attempt by Sterns to eliminate evidence of the alleged sexual abuse.
In addition to murder charges, Sterns faces multiple counts related to the possession and performance of explicit materials involving minors. These charges include unlawful possession of explicit images, sexual battery, lewd or lascivious molestation, and sexual battery on a child under 12. His court hearing is scheduled for October 14, and it remains uncertain whether prosecutors will pursue the death penalty in this case.
The tragic death of Madeline Soto serves as a reminder of the heinous acts that can be perpetrated against innocent children. It highlights the importance of vigilance in recognizing signs of abuse and the need for swift action to protect vulnerable individuals. Madeline’s story also emphasizes the critical role of law enforcement in investigating and apprehending individuals responsible for such devastating crimes. It is our collective responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of children in our communities, and cases like this serve as a call to action to prioritize their protection.
