Orange County — The state attorneys announced that a trial date has been set for Stephan Sterns, the suspect wanted in connection with the disappearance of 13-year-old Madeline Soto.
Sterns’ arraignment is scheduled for April 2 while his jury trial jury trial has beenscheduled for May 13.
According to Kissimmee police, her body was found in a wooded area near Hickory Tree Road.
During a press conference last week, Osceola County Sheriff Marco Lopez, said, “A tip led us to the area. We had different agencies checking different areas for our missing person. We are waiting for the forensics units to do their investigation, to make sure that they secure this crime scene.”
Orange County Sheriff John Mina, said, “I know as a parent, this is every parent’s worst nightmare.”
The last known person to be seen with Soto was 37-year-old Stephan Sterns.
Sterns is the boyfriend of Soto’s mother.
Sterns was arrested by Kissimmee police and faces Charges of sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material.
The sexual abuse charges are the result of an investigation that revealed disturbing images on Stern’s cell phone. The images revealed sexual abuse that had taken place at a friend’s house.
Sterns had also attempted to delete information from his cell phone. He told police that he had accidentally factory reset his phone the day Soto went missing.
Sterns told police that he had dropped Soto off at school. However, authorities say that evidence shows Soto never made it to school.
Her backpack was also found in a dumpster and video revealed that Sterns put it there.
Sterns is no longer cooperative and has requested an attorney.
Authorities say that Sterns was spotted returning to the family’s Kissimmee apartment complex at approximately 8am with Soto in the car.
Officials believe Soto was already dead at that time.
The investigation is ongoing.
