Madeline Soto
Madeline Soto was a 13-year-old child living with her mom, Jennifer Soto, and her mom's boyfriend, Stephan Sterns.
Madeline was reported missing by her mother on February 26, 2024 at about 4:00 p.m. after her mother said she went to pick her up from school and she was a no show.
On February 28, 2024, an arrest warrant was issued for Stephan Sterns on charges of sexual battery and possession of child pornography. He was eventually charged with 60 crimes in connection with Madeline's case.
The following month, Stephan Sterns was indicted by a grand jury for the murder of Madeline Soto.
Date:
Monday, February 26, 2024
Homicide
Osceola County Florida
13
YouTube Videos
60 New Charges Against Mom's Boyfriend in MADELINE SOTO Murder Case
June 24, 2024
STEPHAN STERNS Charged with MADELINE SOTO'S Murder | Grand Jury Indictment
June 24, 2024
MADELINE SOTO Doc Dump | Discovery List Released to Stephan Sterns' Defense Team
June 24, 2024
More MADELINE SOTO Docs: 'Normal' for Stephan Sterns to Sleep with Her | Called it 'Snuggling'
June 24, 2024
MADELINE SOTO MURDER— Stephan Sterns (thankfully) Makes Stupid Mistakes in Police Interview
June 24, 2024
No Brainer: Jennifer Soto Should be Charged Alongside Stephan Sterns in the Murder of MADELINE SOTO
June 24, 2024
Police Release Body Cam Footage of Stephan Sterns & Jenn Soto The Day MADELINE SOTO "Went Missing"
June 24, 2024
Stephan Sterns is Now Facing the Death Penalty for the Murder of Madeline Soto | Document Deep Dive
June 24, 2024
JENN SOTO Should Be Worried | Huge Doc Dump in the MADELINE SOTO Murder Case
June 24, 2024
STEPHAN STERNS Seen Moving MADELINE SOTO'S Body Say Police
June 24, 2024
Friends & Teachers Share RED FLAGS in MADELINE SOTO'S Case | More on Stephan Sterns & Jennifer Soto
June 24, 2024
Do Stephan Sterns' Parents Know All About His Private Escapades | MADELINE SOTO Case
July 23, 2024
Stephan Sterns' Twisted Mind & the "Doll Torso" | MADELINE SOTO Case
July 31, 2024
Jennifer Soto Casually Makes Shocking Revelations in Police Interviews | MADELINE SOTO Case
August 22, 2024
Recordings Answer More Questions Than I Knew I Had | MADELINE SOTO Case
August 23, 2024
Maddie's Autopsy Details Weren't Supposed to be Released | The Murder of MADELINE SOTO
August 24, 2024
I Can't Believe How Much More Evidence Has Been Released | The Murder of MADELINE SOTO
August 27, 2024
Why did the Kissimmee Police Release Maddie's Manner of Death? + Is Jenn Soto Finally Waking Up?
August 30, 2024
Stephan Sterns' parents say ‘He’s spent a lifetime lying to us.’ | The Murder of Madeline Soto
September 6, 2024
Stephan Sterns' parents: ‘He was OBSESSED’ | The Murder of Madeline Soto
September 9, 2024
Stephan Sterns' parents: ‘We didn't want to cause a flare-up.’ | The Murder of Madeline Soto
September 9, 2024
Police Offer Jenn Soto Immunity | The Murder of Madeline Soto
September 10, 2024
What can possibly be worth Jennifer Soto's immunity? | The Murder of Madeline Soto
September 10, 2024
Jennifer Soto's Roommate Reveals What Happened the Night Before Madeline Soto Disappeared
September 30, 2024
Stephan Sterns' Dad Talks to the Police Again—What did he say? | The Murder of Madeline Soto
September 30, 2024
Jenn's 2nd Roommate Tells Police About Weird Arrangements in the House (Pt. 1) | Maddie Soto Murder
October 1, 2024
Strangeness in Jennifer Soto's House Before Madeline Soto Disappeared | 2nd Roommate, Pt. 2
October 1, 2024
Stephan Acting Weird in Jennifer Soto's House Before Madeline Soto Disappeared | 2nd Roommate, Pt. 3
October 1, 2024
Strategy: Deny, Deny, Deny | Stephan Sterns' Interview & Arrest Pt. 1 | Madeline Soto Murder
October 3, 2024
Caught Red Handed | Stephan Sterns' Interview & Arrest Pt. 2 | Madeline Soto Murder
October 6, 2024
Humiliated as Evidence is Gathered | Stephan Sterns' Interview & Arrest Pt. 3 | Madeline Soto Murder
October 6, 2024
Just Arrest Jennifer Soto Already, Please | Police Interview Pt. 1 | Madeline Soto Murder
October 6, 2024
I Honestly Can't Even with Her | Jennifer Soto Police Interview Pt. 2 | Madeline Soto Murder
October 6, 2024
Sent Daughter to Sleep with Predator | Jennifer Soto Police Interview Pt. 3 | Madeline Soto Murder
October 6, 2024
There's No Way a Trial Will Begin in February. Here's Why. | Madeline Soto Murder
October 16, 2024
Stephan Sterns' "Other Girlfriend" Talked to Police and Dropped Some Secrets | Madeline Soto Murder
October 18, 2024
Madeline Soto's Dad Talks with Police About Jennifer Soto After Maddie's Body is Found | Part 1
October 20, 2024
Madeline Soto's Dad: Jenn Was Trying to Break-up My Marriage | Police Interview Part 2
October 20, 2024
Jenn Soto's Ex: "She Would Just Shut Down Some Days" | Part 1 | Madeline Soto Murder
October 20, 2024
Jenn Soto's Ex: "How did I miss the signs?” | Part 2 | Madeline Soto Murder
October 20, 2024
Madeline Soto Suffered a Horrific Death. Here's How it Happened. (with expert Brian Bennett)
October 24, 2024
JAIL CALL with Parents: Stephan Sterns Finds Out Jenn Soto Has Been Committed | Madeline Soto Murder
October 27, 2024
Warrant: Jenn Soto's Inconsistencies Point to Involvement | Madeline Soto Murder
October 27, 2024
Warrant: Stephan Sterns Was Wearing a Fitbit During the Cover-up of the Murder of Madeline Soto
October 27, 2024
I'm Finally Ready to Believe It: Docs Show Maddie Thought She Was Pregnant | Madeline Soto Murder
October 27, 2024
I think I Owe Chris and Debbie Sterns an Apology | Madeline Soto Murder (+ The Purple Ascot)
November 4, 2024
REPORT: Maddie Slumped Over in Car, Stephan Sterns Tried to Cover His Tracks | Madeline Soto Murder
November 5, 2024
These Are the Five Criminal Charges Jennifer Soto Could Face | Madeline Soto Murder
November 6, 2024
Here's Why Stephan Sterns Won't Ever Stand Trial. Probably. | Madeline Soto Murder
November 9, 2024
This will come back to bite Jennifer Soto. Mark my words. | Madeline Soto Murder
November 14, 2024
Madeline Soto's Murder Investigation is More Complex Than You Think | with Guest Joseph Scott Morgan
November 15, 2024
Expert Breaks Down Why Jenn Soto Acts The Way She Does | The Madeline Soto Murder with Beth Meeks
November 17, 2024
Stephan Sterns is an idiotic dillhole. Seriously! Total dillhole. | The Murder of Madeline Soto
November 20, 2024
Prosecutors Won't Charge Jennifer Soto | The Murder of Madeline Soto
November 25, 2024
Stephan Sterns' "Package"—What's So Unique About It? | The Murder of Madeline Soto
December 3, 2024
Maddie's Grandma and Aunt Tell Police About Her 'Situation' at Home | The Murder of Madeline Soto
December 8, 2024
Did Maddie’s Friend Keep a Deadly Secret? | The Murder of Madeline Soto
December 8, 2024
The Shock of Learning What was Going On Inside Jenn Soto's House | Madeline Soto Murder
December 8, 2024
Stephan Sterns Prepares for Battle in Court | Madeline Soto Murder
December 20, 2024
Madeline Soto Murder: This is Where the Case Stands Almost a Year Later
January 5, 2025
Stephan Sterns Trying to Hide Something in Newly Released Body Cam Video | Madeline Soto Murder
January 18, 2025
A Dozen Depositions: Defense Preps for Battle in Madeline Soto Murder Case
January 18, 2025
Stephan Sterns’ Next Move: Is Jennifer Soto in His Crosshairs? | The Madeline Soto Murder
January 18, 2025
No Job, No Ties, No Respect— Jen Soto's Friend on the Real Stephan Sterns | The Madeline Soto Murder
January 27, 2025
Stephan Sterns' Lawyers to Potential Jurors: Consider Mercy | The Madeline Soto Murder
February 5, 2025
Madeline Soto's Choir Teacher Arrested for Alleged Federal Crimes Against a Minor
February 6, 2025
Florida Man Charged with Teen's Murder Wants You to Feel Bad for Him | The Murder of Madeline Soto
February 9, 2025
Maddie's Friends Say She Was Wearing Baggy Clothes | The Murder of Madeline Soto
February 9, 2025
Stephan Sterns Motions Court to Close Pretrial Proceedings | The Murder of Madeline Soto
February 21, 2025
Inside the Prosecution's Massive Evidence Release | The Murder of Madeline Soto
March 4, 2025
Jen Soto Confronted with the Truth Again, Still Defends Stephan Sterns | The Murder of Madeline Soto
March 5, 2025
Jennifer Soto Still Defending Stephan Sterns Despite the Evidence | The Murder of Madeline Soto
March 6, 2025
No Matter the Evidence, Jennifer Soto Still Stands by Stephan Sterns | The Murder of Madeline Soto
March 7, 2025
Jennifer Soto's UPDATED FULL CASE FILE - All Audio/Video Interviews | The Madeline Soto Murder
March 10, 2025
Forensic Photographer Describes Matching Photos Sterns Took of Maddie | The Murder of Madeline Soto
March 12, 2025
DNA Evidence Finally Ties Stephan Sterns Directly to Maddie's Body | The Murder of Madeline Soto
March 18, 2025
Stephan Sterns Jail Call to His Dad - April 10, 2024 at 6:51 p.m.
May 5, 2025
Stephan Sterns Jail Call to His Parents - May 26, 2024 at 7:37 p.m.
March 20, 2025
Stephan Sterns Jail Call to His Parents - May 26, 2024 at 8:09 p.m.
March 20, 2025
Stephan Sterns Jail Call to His Parents - June 1, 2024 at 7:48 p.m.
March 20, 2025
Stephan Sterns Jail Call to His Parents - June 1, 2024 at 8:19 p.m.
March 20, 2025
Stephan Sterns Jail Call to His Parents - June 1, 2024 at 8:51 p.m.
March 20, 2025
Stephan Sterns Jail Call to His Parents - June 2, 2024 at 3:40 p.m.
March 20, 2025
Stephan Sterns Jail Call to His Parents - June 7, 2024 at 7:43 p.m.
March 20, 2025
Stephan Sterns Jail Call to His Parents - June 7, 2024 at 8:20 p.m.
March 20, 2025
Stephan Sterns Jail Call to His Parents - June 7, 2024 at 8:52 p.m.
March 20, 2025
Stephan Sterns Jail Call to His Parents - June 15, 2024 at 9:19 p.m.
March 20, 2025
Stephan Sterns Jail Call to His Parents - June 16, 2024 at 8:13 p.m.
March 20, 2025
Stephan Sterns Jail Call to His Parents - June 16, 2024 at 8:44 p.m.
March 20, 2025
Stephan Sterns Jail Call to His Parents - June 16, 2024 at 9:02 p.m.
March 20, 2025
Maddie "Ogled Me," and Other Disturbing Lies from Stephan Sterns' Jail Calls | Madeline Soto Murder
March 21, 2025
Jen Soto Was the Murderer (Claims Stephan Sterns in Jail Call) | Madeline Soto Murder
March 24, 2025
'Wasn’t Even in the Room' During Maddie's Murder, Claims Stephan Sterns | Madeline Soto Murder
March 25, 2025
“I Hope I See Maddie in Heaven,” Says Stephan Sterns | The Madeline Soto Murder
March 26, 2025
“I’d Be Tempted to Do Something” | Sterns Talks of A Way Out If Released | Madeline Soto Murder
March 27, 2025
“I Suffered a Catastrophic Breakdown” Says Sterns After Maddie’s Death | Madeline Soto Murder
March 27, 2025
Jennifer Soto's Interview Hits Different After Stephan Sterns' Jail Calls | Madeline Soto Murder
April 1, 2025
The Real Reason Stephan Sterns Wants the Media Excluded from His Hearings | Madeline Soto Case
April 2, 2025
Here's Why Stephan Sterns' Team Might Win Fight to Bury the Google Drive Files | Madeline Soto Case
April 4, 2025
Prosecution to Stephan Sterns: You Don’t Get to Hide Your Sins | Madeline Soto Case
April 9, 2025
Audio Recordings
Note: Many people don't know this, but getting access to public records and organizing them all costs time and money. Sometimes it's a lot of time and money. That's why I typically only make case records available to my Patreon supporters who make it possible for me, through their financial support, to be able to spend my time and money to work on records. If you'd like access these audio files, please become a patron by clicking here.
Patrons, please be sure you are already logged into Patreon, then login to my website by clicking here.
Case Documents
FDLE – Stephan Sterns Verizon Phone GPS Data
Orange County SO – Missing Person Investigation – Deputy Joseph
Orange County SO – Missing Person Investigation – Kevin OMalley
Osceola County SO – Handwritten Notes
Osceola County SO – Written Statement of Jennifer Soto
Osceola County SO – Written Statement of Stephan Sterns
Kissimmee PD – Incident Investigation Report
Osceola County SO – Application for Search Warrant – Apartment
Orange County SO – Incident Report, Interviews, Detective Hunt
Orange County SO – Incident Report, Yellow Cloth in Pond, Detective Freeze
Orange County SO – Search Warrant Application, Affidavit, and Return – General Warrant
Application and Affidavit for Search Warrant
Arrest Warrant for Stephan Sterns
Oceola County Department of Corrections File on Stephan Sterns
Kissimmee PD – Incident Report, Missing Person, Officer Clark
Kissimmee PD – Incident Report, Missing Person, Officer Owens
Kissimmee PD – Search Warrant Application and Affidavit – Sterns DNA and Penis Photographs
Orange County SO – Evidence and Property Report
Orange County SO – Incident Report, Blue Gloves and Crocs, Kenneth Dale
Orange County SO – Incident Report, Video Surveillance of Trash Compactor, Detective Fischer
Orange County SO – Incident Report, White T-Shirt – Deputy Rouben
Orange County SO – Property Form
Orange County SO – Search Warrant Application, Affidavit, and Return – Lincoln
Search Warrant, Affidavit, and Return – Unknown iPhone
Orange County SO – Retrieval of Shirt and Underwear – Deputy Joseph
Orange County SO – Incident Report, Search Warrant, Detective Junco
Orange County SO – Incident Report, K9 Sweep, Deputy Davila
Orange County SO – Incident Report, Missing Person, Deputy Vasquez
Osceola County SO – Missing Person Report
Osceola County SO – Report Routing and Affidavit Form
Osceola County SO – Application for Mobile Tracking Device – Honda Civic
Osceola County SO – Application for Mobile Tracking Device – Lincoln MKZ
Osceola County SO – Application for Mobile Tracking Device – Nissan Sentra
Osceola County SO – Application for Search Warrant – Discord
Osceola County SO – Application for Search Warrant – Instagram
Osceola County SO – Application for Search Warrant – Lincoln MKZ
Osceola County SO – Forensic Biology Lab Report – Possible Semen in Lincoln MKZ
Osceola County SO – Forensics Unit Report of Crime Scene Iinvestigation – Apartment
Osceola County SO – Forensics Unit Report of Crime Scene Investigation – Lincoln MKZ
Osceola County SO – Forensics Unit Report of Crime Scene Investigation – Old Hickory Tree Road
Osceola County SO – Forensics Unit Report of Crime Scene Investigation – Stephan Sterns Body Search
Osceola County SO – Forensics Unit Report of Crime Scene Investigation – Waste Management
Osceola County SO – Installation and Use of Mobile Tracking Device – Honda Civic
Osceola County SO – Installation and Use of Mobile Tracking Device – Lincoln MKZ
Osceola County SO – Installation and Use of Mobile Tracking Device – Nissan Sentra
Osceola County SO – Search Warrant – Apartment
Osceola County SO – Search Warrant – Discord
Osceola County SO – Search Warrant – Google
Osceola County SO – Search Warrant – Instagram
Osceola County SO – Search Warrant – Lincoln MKZ
North Port PD – Supplemental Report – Fisher
Arrest Warrant
Kissimmee PD – Incident Report, Extradition Warrant, Officer Wood
Kissimmee PD – Incident Report, Sexual Battery, Officer Moore
Kissimmee PD – Victim Notification Card
Orange County SO – Incident Report, Black Samsung Phone, Detective Acosta
Orange County SO – Incident Report, Exxon Gas Station Cameras, Detective Alicea
Orange County SO – Incident Report, Grey Tank Top, Deputy Weaver
Orange County SO – Incident Report, Interview of Belmores, Detective Rembis-Licari
Orange County SO – Incident Report, Trash Compactor, Tire, Deputy Fischer
Orange County SO – Property Form
Osceola County SO – Wanted Person Table
North Port PD – Crime Scene Log
North Port PD – Incident Report – Hardt
North Port PD – Search Warrant Property Receipt
North Port PD – Supplemental Report – Chippendale
North Port PD – Supplemental Report – Fegan
North Port PD – Supplemental Report – Myers
North Port PD – Supplemental Report – Reid
North Port PD – Supplemental Report – Waters
North Port PD – Supplemental Report – Strejcek
North Port PD – Supplemental Report – Witkosky
Orange County SO – Incident Report, iPhone 13 Pro, Evan Avila
Orange County SO – Incident Report, Multiple Interviews, Jeffrey Payne
Orange County SO – Incident Report, Neighborhood Canvass and Search Warrant, Deputy Nguyen
Orange County SO – Incident Report, Surveillance Footage of Lincoln, Detective Jones
Osceola County SO – Statement of Abrey Hardy Dymmek
Orange County SO – Incident Report, Tow of Lincoln, Detective Davila
Osceola County SO – Crime Scene Contamination Sheet
Osceola County SO – Call Detail Report
Osceola County State Attorney Deputy Incident Report
Osceola County SO – Duty Report for Incident
North Port PD – Agency Assist Property Receipt
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – MK Pinnell
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – ID Johnson
Kissimmee PD – Incident Investigation Report – Homicide
Osceola County SO – FCIC-NCIC Recovery Form (Body Found)
Orange County SO – Incident Report, Google Account Search, Detective Chiang
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – LS Angelo
Capital One Declarion of Business Records
Orange County SO – Incident Report, Interview of Jenn Soto, Detective Calise
Orange County SO – Incident Report, Interviews, Detective Bradshaw
Orange County SO – Incident Report, Smoke Shop Surveillance Video and Car Search Warrant, Detective Cole
Orange County SO – Incident Report, Surveillance Video and Interviews, Brian Savelli
Orange County SO – Supplemental Report – Incident Report – Detective Tagler
North Port PD – Search Warrant – Walker
North Port PD – Investigative Report – Robles
North Port PD – Search Warrant – Howe
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – R Reyes Soto
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – VL Carey
Orange County SO – Evidence and Property Report, House and Nissan Sentra
Orange County SO – Crime Scene Report
Osceola County SO – Supplemental Report – Property Evidence
New Charges Against Stephan Sterns
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – TW Crook
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – CD Breuer
FDLE – Case Tracking Form
Kissimmee PD – Incident Report, Hold the Scene, Officer Irizarry
Supplemental Report – Investigator Morris
Kissimmee PD – Incident Report, Hold the Scene, Officer Nieves
Kissimmee PD – Supplement Report, Officer Smallwood
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – E Diehl
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – A Acevedo
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – BA Villegas
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – E Vazquez
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – AR Shaffer
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – JI Ortiz
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – CA Casselman
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – MJ Guitonez
FDLE – Case Tracking Form
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – C Rivera Navarro
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – J Fernandez
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – BJ Illgen
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – CJ Cabral
Kissimmee PD – Supplement Report, Scene Security, Officer Latchman
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – EM Castellucci
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – JA Naranjo
Kissimmee PD – Supplement Report, Scene Security, Officer Morales
FDLE – Laboratory Report
North Port PD – Agency Assist Property Receipt
Grand Jury Indictment of Stephan Sterns
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – MJ Morris
State’s Response to Defense’s Demand for Discovery
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – MJ Morris
State Attorney’s Office – Notice of Supplemental Discovery
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – CE Smallwood
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – MJ Morris
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – E Diehl
North Port PD – Public Records Request Exemptions
Notice of Intent to Seek Death Penalty
Defense’s Designation of Capital Case Defenders
Press Release: State to Seek Death Penalty Against Stephan Sterns
Kissimmee PD – Case Supplemental Report – CJ Cabral
Stephan Sterns’ Smart Communications
Stephan Sterns’ Mail & Packages
North Port PD – CAD Activity Detail Report
North Port PD – Case Property List
Kissimmee PD – Evidence List
Kissimmee PD – Apartment Canvassing Log
Osceola County SO – Evidence and Property Report – Purple iPhone
Osceola County SO – Latent Submissions Log Sheet
Osceola County SO – Miscellaneous Documents Log Sheet
Osceola County SO – Morgue Documents
Osceola County SO – Photographs Log Sheet
Osceola County SO – Property and FDLE Log Sheet
Osceola County SO – Scene Diagrams Log Sheet
Photos - Crime Scene
Photos - Stephan Sterns Body Search
Photos - Jenn Soto's Condo
Photos - Madeline's Backpack
Photos - Dumpster Search
Photos - Sterns' Lincoln MKZ
Photos - Jennifer Soto's Nissan Sentra
Photos - Clothing Inside Apartment
Photos - Items Inside Apartment
Timeline
February 26, 2024:
7:35 a.m.: Surveillance cameras capture Sterns discarding items in the trash.
7:50 a.m. - 8:31 a.m.: Sterns' car leaves and returns to the apartment complex multiple times, with Madeline’s body visible in the car.
4:30 p.m.: Jenn Soto goes to Hunter's Creek Middle School to pick up Madeline but learns she never arrived.
8:00 p.m.: Madeline is reported missing. Sterns claims he dropped her off near the school. Her phone was left at home.
February 27, 2024:
The Orange County Sheriff's Office issues a public release about Madeline's disappearance.
February 28, 2024:
A massive search is conducted, but no trace of Madeline is found.
Stephan Sterns is arrested as the prime suspect, with charges of sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse materials after disturbing images are found on his phone.
February 29, 2024:
The arrest affidavit for Sterns is released, revealing inconsistencies in his story and evidence of a factory reset on his phone.
March 1, 2024:
Sheriff John Mina announces investigators are confident Madeline is dead and likely killed at her home before Sterns moved her body.
Video evidence shows Sterns disposing of items in a dumpster. Madeline's backpack and laptop are found.
Madeline's body is recovered from a wooded area. A vigil is held in her memory.
March 2, 2024:
Sterns waives his first court appearance; the judge grants no bond.
A confidential crime scene photo is accidentally posted on social media by the Osceola County Sheriff's Office.
March 5, 2024:
The State Attorney's Office requests an investigation into the released crime scene photo.
March 6, 2024:
Kissimmee police continue their investigation, revealing Sterns' history of sexual abuse towards Madeline.
March 12, 2024:
The State Attorney's Office files 60 counts against Sterns, including multiple counts of sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse materials. A pretrial hearing is set for April 24, with a trial on May 13.
March 21, 2024:
Kissimmee Police Chief Betty Holland provides an update, emphasizing the thoroughness of the investigation.
April 4, 2024:
The Medical Examiner's Office withholds the autopsy report due to confidentiality statutes. The 911 call audio is released.
April 24, 2024:
Stephan Sterns is indicted by a grand jury for Madeline Soto's murder. Authorities discuss the calculated nature of his actions and have not yet decided on seeking the death penalty.
June 11, 2024:
The State Attorney's Office announces it will seek the death penalty against Sterns if convicted. Factors include aggravated child abuse, familial authority, heinous nature of the crime, and Sterns' prior charges.
June 12, 2024:
Hundreds of pages of court documents are released, revealing a rough timeline of Sterns' movements on the day of Madeline's disappearance, witness interviews, cell phone mapping images, and surveillance videos. Sterns' car is tracked from the Kissimmee apartment complex to St. Cloud, where Madeline's body is later found. Jennifer Soto initially stated she saw her daughter the morning of February 26 but later retracted, stating she assumed Madeline was in the kitchen.
