Madeline Soto's Death Ruled Homicide in Florida

Thirteen-year-old Madeline Soto was found dead in Osceola County, Florida, on March 1, 2024, four days after being reported missing. Her cause of death was ruled as strangulation, with her body discovered in a wooded area covered with grass and hay. Stephan Sterns, the boyfriend of Soto's mother, has been indicted for first-degree murder and multiple counts of sexual abuse. Surveillance footage showed Sterns discarding Soto's belongings, and investigators found evidence of child pornography on his phone, revealing a history of sexual abuse dating back to 2022. Despite initial claims that Sterns dropped Soto off at school, authorities believe she was already dead by then. The investigation continues to uncover more details about this tragic case.