Thirteen-year-old Madeline Soto, who went missing, was tragically found dead in a wooded area after five days of search efforts. Authorities suspect her mother's boyfriend may have moved her body. The Orange County Sheriff's Office in Florida confirmed this news during a press briefing on Friday.
Madeline's body was discovered by search teams from the Osceola County Sheriff's Office around 4:30 p.m. near Hickory Tree Road. Her family has been informed of this devastating discovery. The Kissimmee Police Department is leading the investigation into her homicide, with ongoing efforts.
Reports from the Orlando Sentinel indicate that Madeline celebrated her 13th birthday just days before her disappearance on February 22. She lived with her family in Kissimmee, Florida, and attended Hunter's Creek Middle School in Orlando.
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Contrary to initial beliefs that Madeline was last seen heading to school, Orange County Sheriff John W. Mina revealed that detectives concluded she was never dropped off by her mother's boyfriend, Stephan Sterns, 37.
Evidence suggests Madeline was deceased, and Sterns allegedly moved her body early that morning. Video footage shows Sterns disposing of items in a dumpster at their apartment complex at 7:35 a.m. on February 26. Ironically Madeline's belongings were recovered later from that same dumpster.
Kissimmee Police Chief Betty Holland emphasized that the investigation is active, and there are details they cannot disclose presently. Sterns has been transferred from Orange County Jail to Osceola County Jail, having been arrested earlier on charges unrelated to Madeline's case.
Authorities found concerning materials on Sterns' phone during a forensic examination, indicating attempts to delete evidence. Although charges of sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material were not tied to Madeline's case, police consider Sterns the primary suspect in her homicide.
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