Madeline Soto’s lifeless body was discovered in a wooded area five days after her disappearance was reported. Authorities believe her mother’s boyfriend may have relocated her remains.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Florida revealed the update, following their announcement at a press conference on Friday, where they expressed certainty that Soto had passed away.
According to the sheriff’s office, search teams from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office discovered her remains around 4:30 p.m. in a wooded section near Hickory Tree Road. The family of Madeline has been informed of this development.
What happened to Madeline Soto?
According to NBC News, Madeline and her family resided in an apartment situated in Kissimmee, Florida. Additionally, she went to school at Hunter’s Creek Middle School in Orlando.
According to Orange County Sheriff John W. Mina, detectives have concluded that Madeline Soto did not reach school as originally thought, despite the belief that she was last seen on her way there with her mother’s partner, Stephan Sterns, aged 37.
Sheriff John W. Mina stated that they had video evidence showing Stephen dumping items in the trash.
“Instead, we believe she was already dead at the time and that Stephan Sterns moved her body in the early morning hours on that day. We have video evidence that shows Stephen Sterns discarding items in a dumpster in that apartment complex in Kissimmee at 7:35 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 26.”
He continued,
“Detectives later recovered Madeline’s backpack and her school-issued laptop from that dumpster. At 8:19 a.m., we have evidence that shows Stephan Sterns returning to the complex, and Madeline was visible in that vehicle. We believe she was already dead at that time.”
According to Kissimmee Police Chief Betty Holland, the case is still ongoing and there is a significant amount of additional information that cannot be disclosed at this moment. Holland states that Sterns was moved from the Orange County Jail to the Osceola County Jail.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, she passed away a few days after her 13th birthday on Feb. 22.
Who killed Madeline Soto?
On Wednesday, Kissimmee Police arrested and accused Sterns of sexual battery and possessing child sexual abuse material. Even though these charges were unrelated to Madeline Soto’s case, authorities named him as the primary suspect in her case.
In a recent update, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office stated that during their forensic investigation of his phone, detectives discovered “disturbing images and videos” and discovered that he had tried to erase any incriminating evidence.
Additionally, there is video footage showing Sterns coming back to his community, where Madeline Soto can be seen in the same car. However, Sheriff Mina stated that the young girl was already deceased at this point.
Sterns has not discussed his alleged role in the case with anyone as of Friday afternoon. While the Kissimmee Police Department continues to investigate, it is possible that Sterns could face additional charges in the future.
The authorities are currently in touch with Jenn Soto, Madeline Soto’s mother, and have no evidence to suggest that she is involved in the case.
According to Sheriff Mina, Stephen Sterns has not communicated with anyone about the case. He has been transferred to Osceola County Jail, where he is being detained for charges of capital sexual battery brought by Kissimmee police.
