Cops Unlock Predator’s Phone, Find Horrifying Videos of Missing Girl 

In February 2024, 13-year-old Madeline Soto was reported missing, last seen with her mother’s boyfriend, 37‑year‑old Stephan Sterns. Investigators quickly focused on him due to “abnormal” security footage showing Sterns leaving with a slumped-over passenger — later identified as Madeline. 

A forensic search of Sterns’ phone revealed more than 1,700 disturbing images of child sexual abuse dating back to 2019. 

He was arrested on February 28, initially for sexual battery and child pornography. Five days later, Madeline’s body was discovered in a wooded area, and Sterns was indicted on first-degree murder. 

 

Sterns now faces the death penalty, and with dozens of pretrial motions and delayed hearings, the case has grown more complex — and more emotionally draining for Madeline’s family and the community. 

This episode traces the chilling timeline: from the missing child report to the discovery of gruesome digital evidence, the arrest and charges, and the legal road ahead in a murder case that has shaken Central Florida to its core.

Content Warning: This episode includes discussions of child sexual abuse, murder, and graphic evidence. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

Stephan Sterns, Madeline Soto, Florida murder, child sexual abuse, child pornography, Okeechobee murder, prime suspect arrest, forensic evidence, death penalty case, missing child investigation, disturbing images, trial delays, true crime podcast

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