Authorities in Florida have not yet charged Stephan Sterns for the death of 13-year-old Madeline Soto, but court documents revealed disturbing details about the case. According to reports by WESH, evidence suggests that Soto had been suffering from sexual abuse by her stepfather for years before her tragic death.
The investigation initially pointed to Sterns starting to abuse Soto when she was 12 years old, but new information indicates that the abuse may have started even earlier. Documents from the Kissimmee Police Department allege that Soto was a victim of sexual assault, with evidence implicating Sterns as the perpetrator.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office uncovered disturbing images on Sterns’ cell phone, some of which date back to August 2022 when Soto was just 11 years old. The alleged abuse is said to have taken place in the home that Soto, her mother, and Sterns shared, with Sterns being Soto’s mother’s boyfriend at the time.
Sterns was arrested last week and remains detained in the Osceola County prison on charges of sexual assault and possession of child sexual abuse material. Despite appearing in court for the first time on Saturday, he has not yet been formally charged with Soto’s death.
The investigation into Madeline Soto’s tragic death continues, with authorities working diligently to bring justice to the young girl who suffered unspeakable abuse. Stay updated on this developing story with El Diario NY.