A Florida man arrested in February during an investigation into the disappearance and death of his girlfriend's teenage daughter has officially been charged with murder. Stephan Sterns, 38, was charged with first-degree murder on Wednesday in connection with the death of 13-year-old Madeline Soto.
Soto was found dead on March 1, and it is alleged that Sterns killed her sometime between Feb. 25 and Feb. 27. Kissimmee Police Chief Betty Holland stated that evidence suggests Sterns made calculated moves to dispose of Madeline's belongings and place her body in a wooded area before she was reported missing.
Sterns was initially taken into custody on unrelated charges of sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material. A Digital Forensics Unit discovered criminal and sexual content on Sterns' phone, leading to additional charges related to sexual offenses against children.
Court documents suggest that Sterns may have abused Madeline for years leading up to her disappearance and death. While Sterns is currently the only person charged in the case, the investigation remains active.
Sterns was reportedly the last person to see Soto on Feb. 26 when he dropped her off near her school. When her mother went to pick her up later that day, it was discovered that Madeline never made it inside the school.
It has not been determined if the death penalty will be sought against Sterns. The State Attorney's Office for the 9th Judicial Circuit is still deliberating on the appropriate legal course of action in this case.
Sterns remains in the Osceola County Jail without bond as the legal proceedings continue.
