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Authorities in Florida reported on Friday that the remains of 13-year-old Madeline Soto had been discovered, following her unexpectedly skipping school in Kissimmee, Florida.
Following a four-day investigation, the nearby sheriff’s department announced their belief that she had passed away. The somber finding occurred several hours afterwards.
Stephan Sterns, her mother’s partner, is currently the main suspect in police custody for alleged sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material charges.
This is all the information we have regarding the case involving Madeline Soto up to this point.
When was Madeline Soto reported missing?
On Monday 26 February at approximately 8:30am, 13-year-old Madeline Soto was reported as missing.
According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), the individual was last observed on Village Park Drive in Kissimmee, located near Orlando, en route to school.
Madeline was identified as having a fair complexion, being 5 feet and 1 inch in height, and having blonde hair and blue eyes. She was dressed in a green sweatshirt, black shorts, and white Crocs.
Stephan Sterns, the boyfriend of her mother, stated that he had driven her near Hunter’s Creek Middle School, rather than dropping her off directly outside.
The girl did not make an appearance in class. It was only when her mother arrived at the school to pick her up later that day that she realized Madeline was missing.
Over 50 police officers dedicated time to searching for Madeline in the surrounding forest after her disappearance. This was prompted by messages found on her phone expressing her desire to live in the woods once she turned 13.
Deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search in the woods of Kissimmee for Madeline Soto, a teenager who went missing.
Madeline Soto’s body discovered
On Thursday evening, Sheriff John Mina informed Madeline’s mother that he believed her daughter was deceased and that his deputies were currently searching for her remains.
The sheriff stated that OCSO possesses video proof that displays Mr Sterns discarding objects into a dumpster located behind their apartment complex at approximately 7:35 in the morning. These items consisted of the teenager’s backpack and the laptop provided by her school.
“The sheriff stated that at 8:19am, there is proof of Stephan Sterns’ return to the complex, with Madeline visible in the vehicle. It is believed that she had already passed away at that time.”
On Friday afternoon, the sheriff’s office announced that they had discovered her body in a wooded area in Osceola County.
The sheriff provided an update on the girl who has been reported missing, as communicated by Madeline Soto.
Osceola County Sheriff’s Office search teams discovered the body of Madeline Soto in a wooded area off of Hickory Tree Road at approximately 4:30 p.m. today. The authorities have released a statement notifying Madeline’s family of this discovery.
“At the moment, we do not have any new updates to share. The Kissimmee Police Department is spearheading the investigation into this homicide and it is ongoing.”
The primary person of interest in this case is the boyfriend of the mother.
OCSO revealed on February 28 that Mr. Sterns was apprehended after “disturbing images” were found on his phone, which he attempted to delete. The office stated that these images and videos were of a “criminal and sexual” nature.
The office posted a video of the individual restrained with handcuffs.
During the Friday briefing, Sheriff Mina stated that investigators believe Mr. Sterns disposed of Madeline’s possessions before relocating her body, instead of taking her to school as he had initially stated.
Mr. Sterns is currently in the custody of the Kissimmee Police Department. He has been arrested on charges of sexual battery and possession of child pornography.
Photos of Mr. Stern’s vehicle driving in the State Road 192 and Old Hickory Tree Road area between 1pm and 2:30pm on February 26 were shared by the Kissimmee Police Department. It is suspected that he may have had a flat tire during this time.
On Monday 26 February 2024, Madeline Soto was last spotted in Kissimmee, Florida, near her school.
At the moment, Madeline’s mother is not being seen as a suspect.
McCann
People have expressed their respect for Madeline McCann.
Dr. Maria Vazquez, Superintendent of Orange County Public Schools, expressed her condolences to a valuable student in a statement released on Friday afternoon.
I extend my deepest sympathies to Maddie’s family and her school community, said Dr. Vazquez. It is incredibly hard for family and friends to cope with the sudden and tragic loss of a child.
Counselors remain accessible to students and faculty who may need support in light of recent events. Let’s keep the entire Hunter’s Creek Middle School community in our thoughts and prayers as they mourn the passing of one of their members.
A vigil for prayer was conducted on Friday night.
Source: independent.co.uk
