By Kissimmee, FL: In connection with the death of Jennifer Soto’s 13-year-old daughter, Madeline Soto, Stephan Sterns, Soto’s longtime boyfriend, faces first-degree murder charges.
On February 26, the teenage girl’s mother went to pick her up from school and failed to find her. Several days later, authorities discovered Madeline’s body in a wooded area.
State Attorney Andrew Bain announced the charges against Sterns at a news conference on Wednesday. Bain stated that prosecutors have not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty in this case.
He refrained from commenting on the suspicions against Madeline’s mother, Jennifer Soto. However, Kissimmee Police Chief Betty Holland confirmed that Soto has been cooperating with detectives throughout the investigation.
Before the murder charge, Sterns was already facing numerous charges about Madeline Soto, including dozens of counts of sexual battery on a child under 12 and unlawful possession of child sex abuse material.
His public defender filed a motion to postpone the trial while they continue to prepare their defense, despite his scheduled appearance in court for these charges on Wednesday.
Sterns remains in jail without a bond. Concerning the murder charge, the online court docket does not list Sterns’ defense attorney.
This tragic case has shocked the central Florida community as they mourn the loss of a young life and seek justice for Madeline Soto.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working diligently to gather evidence and build a strong case against the accused.
