THE MOTHER’S BOYFRIEND IS SUSPECTED OF RELOCATING THE BODY OF A 13-YEAR-OLD FLORIDA CHILD WHO WAS FOUND DEAD.
After the Orange County Sheriff’s Office stated they thought the 13-year-old was dead, they discovered Madeline Soto’s body in a forested location on Friday afternoon. Madeline was reported missing from her home in Florida. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said that the mother’s boyfriend, who is now a suspect, may have relocated the body.
Madeline was last seen at her home on Thursday morning. Her mother reported her missing after she did not return home from school. The initial search for Madeline involved local law enforcement and volunteers combing through nearby areas, but no sign of the 13-year-old girl was found.
After receiving a tip from a concerned citizen about suspicious activity near a wooded area, authorities searched the location and discovered Madeline’s body. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office stated that further investigation led them to believe that the mother’s boyfriend may have been responsible for relocating the body. The suspect, who is currently in custody, has not yet been charged with any crime.
The tragic news of Madeline’s death has shaken the community and left many questioning how such a young life could be taken so violently. Friends and family have described her as a bright and kind girl who loved to dance and dreamed of becoming a veterinarian someday.
Neighbors of the mother’s boyfriend expressed shock and disbelief at the possibility that he may have been involved in Madeline’s death. They remember him as a quiet and reserved man, often seen playing with his own children in the front yard.
As details continue to emerge about this devastating case, there are still many unanswered questions. The motive behind this heinous act remains unclear and authorities are urging anyone with information
The identity of the suspect has not been released by officials
The boyfriend of Sheriff John Mina’s mother is accused of relocating her body, and a homicide investigation is underway, he stated at a press conference earlier in the day.
In a forested location off Hickory Tree Road, search teams from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office discovered Madeline’s corpse around 4:30 p.m., according to an update from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
The victim’s mother, who has not been identified, reported her daughter missing early in the morning. She told deputies that her boyfriend, whose name has also not been released, had moved Madeline to an unknown location after a domestic dispute.
It is believed that the suspect may have
“We have notified Madeline’s family.” At this moment, we are unable to provide any further information. Leading the charge in this homicide inquiry is the Kissimmee Police Department. As stated by the sheriff’s office, this work is still under progress.
A few blocks from Hunter Creek Middle School in Orlando, Madeline was dropped off by her mother’s boyfriend, 37-year-old Stephen Stearns, on Monday morning, according to the sheriff’s office.
The information currently indicates that Meena was not left off close to her school that morning, she stated during a press briefing on Friday.
“Stearns, whom authorities call the” “prime suspect” “in the case, was arrested Wednesday night on separate charges of sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material after detectives found” “disturbing images” “and videos during a forensic examination of his phone that were” “criminal and sexual in nature.” “”
Stearns transported Madeline’s body early on Monday morning, according to Mina, who stated that it is thought that Madeline was killed in Kissimmee, where her family rented an apartment.
“According to our evidence, Madeline was spotted driving that car when Stephen Stern returned to the scene. Her death, in our opinion, had already occurred. The duration of the video was not disclosed by the authorities.
At 7:35 a.m. on Monday, February 26, at the Kissimmee apartment complex, Stern was seen on surveillance footage taken by the authorities tossing objects into a dumpster. Afterwards, Madeline’s backpack and her laptop that were provided by her school were found by detectives in the trash.
Madeline died mysteriously on Thursday night, and detectives told her mother about it. According to the investigation, he is not a suspect.
However, Stern’s behavior and actions are being closely monitored by the authorities. They have gathered enough evidence to suggest that he was involved in Madeline’s death.
Witnesses at the apartment complex reported seeing Madeline and Stern arguing on multiple occasions. There were also reports of loud noises and disturbances coming from their apartment. It is believed that they had a tumultuous relationship that eventually turned violent.
Madeline’s family and friends described her as a kind, caring, and ambitious young woman who had big dreams for her future. She was a straight-A student with a passion for photography and loved spending time with her loved ones.
The news of Madeline’s tragic death has left her loved ones devastated. Her mother spoke to us about how she hopes justice
The probe becomes a murder investigation, and the Kissimmee Police Department will now take up the case.
During the course of the child’s search, Kissimmee Police Chief Betty Holland had invited members of the public to provide suggestions.
From 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Stearns was observed operating a silver 2010 Lincoln MKZ near State Road 192, Old Hickory Tree, and Nulty Road. He was maybe witnessed changing tires nearby since it’s thought he had a flat tire.
Stearns, according to Meena, has not discussed the case with anybody. After Kissimmee police filed a sexual assault case against him, he was moved to the Osceola County Jail.