Authorities in Florida have revealed new details in the tragic case of 13-year-old Madeline Soto, whose body was found in a wooded area days after she was reported missing. According to a newly released case supplemental report from the Orange County Sheriff's Office, Jennifer Soto, Madeline's mother, told police that her boyfriend, Stephan Sterns, had been "grooming and abusing" her daughter before the teen was allegedly murdered.
The disturbing revelation came after police presented Jennifer with photos discovered on Sterns' phone. "He's been grooming and abusing my child," Jennifer allegedly told authorities, as reported by FOX 35, WFTV, and Click Orlando. This statement followed Sterns' arrest on unrelated charges of possessing child sexual abuse material, which occurred shortly after Madeline was reported missing from her home in Kissimmee, Florida, on February 26.
Madeline's disappearance triggered a massive search effort, culminating in the discovery of her body on March 1. A medical examiner later determined that Madeline had died from strangulation. As investigators pieced together the events leading up to her death, Jennifer's claims about Sterns' alleged abuse became a focal point of the investigation.
In a further twist, the case supplemental report also notes that Jennifer did not initially perceive Sterns' alleged sexual abuse as "evil," though she did acknowledge the killing as such. This detail, highlighted by the Orlando Sentinel, WESH, and Click Orlando, has raised questions about Jennifer's awareness of the abuse and her actions leading up to Madeline's disappearance.
Authorities allege that on the night before Madeline went missing, Jennifer sent her daughter to sleep in the same room as Sterns. According to the supplemental report, Jennifer claimed she had a long day at work and needed to rest, leading her to make the decision. The next morning, Sterns was reportedly captured on video discarding items into a trashcan on the property where he lived with Jennifer and Madeline. Among the discarded items, police later recovered Madeline's backpack and laptop.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina provided further insight into the investigation, stating that Sterns' actions and the evidence found were crucial in building the case against him. In April, Sterns was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Madeline's death. Court records from Osceola County, Florida, reviewed by PEOPLE, confirm these charges.
As the legal proceedings move forward, questions remain about the extent of Jennifer's knowledge and involvement. While it is clear she informed authorities of Sterns' alleged grooming and abuse, her actions in the days leading up to Madeline's death have drawn scrutiny. The court documents also reveal that Sterns has pleaded not guilty to 60 counts of sexual abuse charges, but it remains unclear if he has entered a plea to the murder charge.
The tragic case of Madeline Soto has shocked the local community and drawn widespread media attention, underscoring the devastating impact of abuse and the critical need for vigilance and intervention in protecting vulnerable children.
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