Kissimmee, Florida – Authorities are still deliberating on whether to charge Stephan Sterns, the primary suspect in the disappearance and death of 13-year-old Madeline Soto, with her murder. While the investigation is ongoing, Kissimmee police Chief Betty Holland revealed that Madeline was likely the only victim of Sterns’ prolonged sexual abuse.
On Thursday, Chief Holland refrained from disclosing many details to the press regarding the progress of the case, emphasizing the importance of integrity in the investigation. Sterns, 37, currently faces a total of 60 charges related to sexually assaulting Soto since she was 9 years old, as well as possessing images and videos of the abuse on his cellphone.
Despite Sterns’ silence towards detectives, Madeline’s mother, Jennifer Soto, and other family members are cooperating with the investigation. Chief Holland indicated that evidence suggests the abuse was confined to the home, with indications pointing to Madeline being the sole victim in the case against Sterns.
Authorities are still considering all those close to Madeline as potential suspects until proven otherwise. The turn of events began when Madeline was reported missing on February 26, with Sterns subsequently apprehended for possession of child exploitation material. Police Chief John Mina mentioned that Madeline was likely deceased before Sterns allegedly dropped her off near Hunter’s Creek Middle School.
Reportedly, surveillance footage shows Sterns disposing of Madeline’s belongings in a dumpster on the day she vanished. The search for Madeline came to a tragic end when her body was discovered by Osceola County Sheriff’s Office search teams near a wooded area in St. Cloud.
Sterns is currently facing severe charges related to the abuse of Madeline, with allegations extending back to June 2019. Court documents have not fully detailed the accusations, but investigators have identified the Kissimmee residence shared by Sterns, Soto, and Madeline in photographs and videos from Sterns’ phone. If convicted, Sterns could potentially face the death penalty.