Body of missing Madeline Soto, 13, found in Florida after video of suspect Stephan Sterns dumping items emerged
THE search for a missing girl has ended after her body was found on Friday, said police.
The body of 13-year-old Madeline Soto, who had been missing since Monday, was found in a wooded area in Central Florida around 4:30 pm.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the body belonged to Madeline with evidence revealing that she was never dropped off near her school on February 26.
“It is with a heavy heart I inform everyone that as we expected, Madeline Soto is deceased. I am thankful that she was found and for the coordinated efforts of the Kissimmee Police Department, Saint Cloud Police Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office that are able to bring some closure to the family,” said Chief Betty Holland of the Kissimmee Police Department.
“This is a sad day for our community and we mourn the loss of such a young life.”
A statement from the Orange County Public Schools superintendent was released following the grim news.
“I am heartbroken to hear from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office of the tragic death of our precious student, Madeline Soto. My thoughts and prayers go out to Maddie’s family and her school community,” said Maria Vasquez.
“To lose a child so suddenly and tragically is extremely difficult, especially for family and friends. Counselors continue to be available for any student or staff member dealing with the news. I ask that you keep the entire Hunter’s Creek Middle School community in your prayers as they grieve the loss of one of their own.”
Stephan Sterns, 37, the boyfriend of Madeline’s mother, is considered the prime suspect in the case, said police.
He was arrested on Wednesday night and booked into the Orange County jail on charges of sexual battery and possession of child abuse materials.
Police said “disturbing” images were found on Sterns’ phone.
Investigators said Sterns was spotted on video discarding several items on Monday.
He was seen returning to the family‘s apartment complex in Kissimmee around 8:19 am with Madeline in the car.
Police believe Madeline was already dead when Sterns was spotted with her in the car.
Sterns was scheduled to appear before a judge on Thursday but he waived his first appearance.
He is being held in jail without bond.
Sterns reportedly told police he dropped Madeline off near her school on Monday.
However, when her mother went to pick her up that day, she was told her daughter wasn’t present that day.
Investigators say Sterns is the last person to see Madeline.