The community of Orange County, Florida is in mourning after the tragic discovery of 13-year-old Madeline Soto’s body in a wooded area. The Orange County sheriff confirmed the heartbreaking news, hours after initially reporting that there were elements to presume the young girl had died.
Authorities have notified Madeline’s devastated family, who are now left to grapple with the loss of their beloved daughter. The investigation into Madeline’s disappearance has now shifted to a homicide case, with Kissimmee Police taking the lead on the investigation.
Earlier in the day, surveillance footage revealed disturbing images of Stephan Sterns, the boyfriend of Madeline’s mother, disposing of items in a trash container at the apartment complex where the family lived. Investigators later found Madeline’s backpack at the same location. The footage also captured Sterns’ vehicle with Madeline inside, leading authorities to believe that she was already deceased.
Stephan Sterns, who was the last person confirmed to have seen Madeline, has been arrested on unrelated charges. He has been charged with sexual assault and possession of child sexual abuse material, in connection to another minor victim. Despite the disturbing findings on his cell phone, Sterns has maintained his innocence, claiming he accidentally performed a factory reset on the device the day Madeline disappeared.
Madeline’s family and friends are left to mourn the tragic loss of a bright and happy girl, who celebrated her birthday just days before her disappearance. The search for Madeline involved over 100 agents and bloodhounds, but unfortunately, it ended in tragedy.
As the investigation into Madeline Soto’s death continues, the community is urged to come forward with any information that could aid in the case. The loss of such a young life has shaken the neighborhood, and authorities are determined to seek justice for the senseless crime.