Madeline Soto murder: Trial date set for Stephan Sterns, suspect in Florida teen's death
Stephan Sterns, Madeline Soto's mom's boyfriend, questioned
New videos within the investigation of Madeline Soto's disappearance and death have been released by Kissimmee Police. These new videos and audio files appear to be long interviews with Jennifer Soto, Madeline's mom, and Stephan Sterns, Jenn's boyfriend, the man accused of killing and abusing the Florida 13-year-old, days after her birthday.
ORLANDO, Fla. - A trial date has been set for the man accused of killing 13-year-old Madeline "Maddie" Soto.
Stephans Sterns, 38, was arrested on Feb. 28 on unrelated charges regarding sexual battery and child sex abuse material found on his phone as authorities were investigating the disappearance of the Osceola County teenager. He was later charged with first-degree murder in connection with her death. His murder trial is now set to begin on Sept. 22, 2025.
MORE MADELINE SOTO COVERAGE:
- New police interviews of Stephan Sterns, Jenn Soto released: 'Should I be talking with a lawyer right now?'
- Madeline Soto: Bombshell documents reveal how Stephan Sterns might have allegedly killed teen, dumped her body
- Madeline Soto's mom admits to knowing Stephan Sterns was 'grooming and abusing' her daughter: docs
- Madeline Soto's mom may have known about alleged abuse; said 'sex stuff' was 'not evil': new documents
- No charges for anyone else in Madeline Soto homicide case at this time, Kissimmee police says
Sterns was the live-in boyfriend of Maddie's mother, Jennifer Soto. The teen was reported missing by her mother on Feb. 26 and found dead on March 1. According to an indictment, it is alleged that Sterns killed the girl sometime between Feb. 25 and Feb. 27,
Madeline Soto celebrates her 13th birthday. (Photo: Jenn Soto)
Sterns remains in custody in Osceola County and has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. He faces the death penalty if convicted.
New investigative interviews with Jennifer Soto
New evidence in the Madeline Soto investigation has been released by the Orange County Sheriff's Office, which sheds light on the search for the missing teen in late February.
New investigative interviews with Stephan Sterns
New evidence in the Madeline Soto investigation has been released by the Orange County Sheriff's Office, which sheds light on the search for the missing teen in late February.
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO:
- Download the FOX 35 News app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines
- Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar
- Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines
- FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV