The Tragic Case of Madeline Soto: Missing Florida Teen’s Search Now a Murder Investigation

True Crime Lounge
3 min readMar 2, 2024

In a heart-wrenching turn of events that gripped the Kissimmee community and beyond, the disappearance of 13-year-old Madeline Soto came to a tragic conclusion. The young girl, known for her bright smile and kind heart, vanished under mysterious circumstances, leading to an intensive search that ended with the discovery of her body. This case has not only devastated a family but also raised grave concerns about child safety and the sinister underbelly of those trusted to protect.

The Disappearance

Madeline Soto, a vibrant 13-year-old student at Hunter’s Creek Middle School, was reported missing on the morning of February 26, 2024. Her last known location was near her school in Kissimmee, Florida. Madeline was last seen wearing a green sweatshirt, black shorts, and white Crocs. The community’s immediate response was to launch a widespread search, hoping for Madeline’s safe return.

The Investigation Unfolds

The investigation into Madeline’s disappearance took a dark turn when Stephan Sterns, 37, the boyfriend of Madeline’s mother, emerged as the prime suspect. Orange County Sheriff John Mina disclosed chilling evidence, including video footage showing Sterns disposing of Madeline’s…

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