Stephan Sterns, the man accused of being the “prime suspect” in the tragic death of 13-year-old Madeline Soto, is set to face trial this spring after being hit with a staggering 60 charges related to child sex crimes. This news comes as a shocking development in the ongoing investigation into the untimely demise of young Madeline.
Living with Soto and in a relationship with her mother, Sterns opted to forego his scheduled arraignment on April 2, as confirmed by court records in Osceola County. An arraignment typically involves a defendant appearing in court to formally acknowledge the charges against them and enter a plea, but Sterns’ decision means that he will not be physically present in court, with his attorney instead submitting a written plea on his behalf.
Looking ahead, a pre-trial hearing is slated for April 24, where both the prosecution and defense will present their positions to a judge to decide on the next steps, including the possibility of a jury trial. This hearing will also provide an opportunity for defense attorneys to file various motions, such as a motion to dismiss the charges.
Court documents reveal that a jury trial date has already been fixed for May 13 in Osceola County, marking a significant milestone in the legal proceedings against Sterns. While he has not been formally charged with Madeline Soto’s murder, investigators have unearthed disturbing evidence linking Sterns to the sexual abuse of a child dating back to 2019 when the victim would have been just 8 years old.
According to Kissimmee police, incriminating images and videos discovered on Sterns’ phone have led to the additional 60 charges, encompassing offences like sexual battery of a child, lewd and lascivious molestation, and possession of child sexual abuse material. Particularly grave are the sexual battery charges, which are classified as capital felonies and carry the potential of life imprisonment or the death penalty upon conviction.
David Thomas, a forensic studies expert at Florida Gulf Coast University, emphasized that Sterns is unlikely to escape prison time regardless of the trial outcome. He suggested that law enforcement authorities are meticulously building their case to ensure that justice is served meticulously and comprehensively. Thomas hinted at the possibility of a murder charge being brought against Sterns in due course, pending the completion of a thorough forensic examination and investigative process.
The tragic disappearance of Madeline Soto on February 26 has sent shockwaves through the community, with law enforcement officials suspecting Sterns of foul play in her disappearance and subsequent demise. CCTV footage reportedly captured Sterns discarding items in a dumpster the same morning Madeline vanished, with her belongings later discovered in the same location. Subsequent investigations led to the grim discovery of Madeline’s body in the woods off Old Hickory Tree Road in Osceola County, further deepening the mystery surrounding her tragic fate..
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