Florida Teen’s Cause of Death Revealed
Months after her mother’s boyfriend allegedly killed and dumped her body in a secluded wooded area, the cause of death for Florida teen Madeline Soto has been revealed. According to documents obtained by WKMG, Madeline’s death was ruled a homicide by strangulation.
Madeline was first reported missing on Feb. 26 after she failed to arrive at her Orlando middle school. Four days later, her body was discovered in Osceola County, wearing similar clothing to what she had on before she disappeared.
Authorities revealed that Madeline was likely already deceased before the search for her began.
Suspect Charged with Murder
Stephan Sterns, who was dating Madeline’s mother at the time, has been charged with murder in Madeline’s death. Sterns, 37, was the last person confirmed to have seen Madeline before her disappearance. He was arrested and initially charged with sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material, including images and videos on his phone showing him abusing a young girl.
Sterns was later charged with first-degree murder and was considered a person of interest in the case before Madeline’s body was found.
Despite attempting to erase evidence from his phone, detectives found child pornography and proof of Sterns’ abuse of Madeline. It was revealed that Sterns had been sexually abusing Madeline since she was 11 years old.
After Madeline’s body was discovered, surveillance footage showed Sterns driving with her body in his car. He was also seen disposing of items related to the case.
Sterns faces multiple charges related to sexual abuse and is due back in court for a status hearing on Oct. 14. Prosecutors have not yet indicated if they will seek the death penalty in the case.
