Madeline Soto case: Stephan Sterns gets life in prison, avoids death in Florida girl's murder
Sterns sentenced to life in plea deal over Maddie Soto’s abuse, murder
The man accused of sexually abusing and murdering 13-year-old Maddie Soto avoided trial Monday by changing his plea at the last moment, prompting emotional scenes inside an Osceola County courtroom. Stephan Sterns, who was set to face a jury Tuesday on dozens of charges, instead pleaded guilty to sexually abusing the teen over a period of years and entered a no-contest plea to her killing—moves that eliminate the need for both a sex crimes trial and a separate murder trial scheduled for September.
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. - Editor's note: Our live coverage of Stephan Sterns plea hearing has concluded. Scroll down to view highlights from Monday's court hearing.
Stephan Sterns was adjudicated guilty and sentenced to multiple life sentences on Monday for the sexual abuse and murder of 13-year-old Madeline Soto. It came one day before the first of two criminal trials were set to begin.
Sterns pleaded no contest to first-degree murder and guilty to sexual battery, part of a plea deal with prosecutors, which gave him a life sentence and not the death penalty.
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Soto was remembered fondly by family and friends, and as someone who was loved and enjoyed life.
Live updates: Florida v. Stephan Sterns
State Attorney Monique Worrell on Stephan Sterns sentencing in Maddie Soto case
"I want to extend my deepest condolences to the Soto family and everyone who loved Madeline. Her life was stolen in a senseless act of violence, and the pain of that loss is immeasurable.
While nothing we do can bring Madeline back, I hope her family finds some measure of peace knowing that justice has been served. The individual responsible has been sentenced to 21 concurrent life sentences and will never walk free again. He has also waived all of his rights to appeal, ensuring finality and sparing the family from reliving this trauma in courtrooms for years to come.
Our office conducted a meticulous review of this case, and every step we took was in close consultation with Madeline’s family. This outcome reflects their wishes. It holds the accused fully accountable, while also protecting the family from further anguish.
We remain committed to seeking justice in a way that centers victims and honors the lives that are taken far too soon."
Stephan Sterns delivers statement at court hearing: ‘I apologize for all the pain’
Stephan Sterns, the man found guilty of abusing and killing Madeline Soto, delivered a nearly 90-second statement at Monday's court hearing.
Stephan Sterns talks during sentencing
Stephan Sterns was found guilty of first-degree murder and sexual battery, among other charges, in the death of 13-year-old Madeline Soto on Monday, July 21. Sterns pleaded no contest to murder and guilty to sexual battery after reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors took the death penalty off the table.
"I agree that it is not fair that Madeline is not here anymore. It's been a hard time contemplating a world where she's not around. A world that feels less vibrant, less colorful than it did before. I've prayed to God countless times to trade places with her and to take me instead. Unfortunately, that's just not how he works."
"I apologize for all the pain."
Stephan Sterns sentencing: Life in prison without the possibility of parole
Judge Keith Carsten has found Stephan Sterns guilty of first-degree murder and on several sex abuse charges. Judge Carsten sentenced Sterns to life in prison without the possibility of parole on those counts.
Sterns previously pleaded no contest to first-degree murder and guilty to sexual battery.
Stephan Sterns sentenced to life in prison
FOX 35's Randi Hildreth joins FOX 35's Garrett Wymer live via Zoom just outside of the Osceola County courtroom where Stephan Sterns was sentenced to life in prison for the murder and sexual abuse of Maddie Soto.
Judge Carsten said Sterns would serve these sentences concurrently, meaning at the same time, among other requirements.
Stephan Sterns avoids death penalty
As part of the plea agreement, state prosecutors have decided not to pursue the death penalty against Stephan Sterns. Sterns was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Madeline Soto's dad delivers statement in court
Madeline Soto's father gives heartfelt statement
Madeline Soto's father, Tyler Wallace, gave a heartfelt statement about his daughter and how he feels towards Stephan Sterns, the man found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Madeline. Sterns was also found guilty on several sex abuse charges and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Did Jennifer Soto, Madeline's mom, talk?
She did not. Jennifer Soto, Madeline's mom, did not talk during victim impact statements – and did not appear to have a written statement read on her behalf. It was not immediately clear if she attended the sentencing.
Jenn Soto has never been described as a person of interest, suspect, or charged with anything related to Soto's disappearance or death. FOX 35 talked with Jenn Soto days after Maddie was initially reported missing.
Family members remember Madeline Soto
Family members and friends of Madeline Soto are delivering victim impact statements. This happened moments after Stephan Sterns pleaded no contest to first-degree murder and guilty to sexual battery.
Soto's grandma, cousin, and aunts spoke during the hearing. A woman who lived with Soto, Soto's mom, and Sterns – described as a roommate – also spoke during the hearing.
Madeline Soto's aunt remembers Florida girl
Letizia Nunez, Madeline Soto's aunt, remembered the 13-year-old Florida girl at court on Monday. Stephan Sterns pleaded no contest to first-degree murder and guilty to sexual battery. The plea hearing was scheduled a day before Sterns was set to go to trial on 60 counts of sexual abuse.
VIDEO: Roommate who lived with Madeline Soto, Jenn Soto, Stephan Sterns delivers victim impact statement
A woman who lived with Madeline Soto, her mom, Jenn Soto, and Stephan Sterns spoke during Monday's plea hearing. Officials previously said that woman, described as a roommate, was also a victim. Explicit photos of her were also allegedly found on Sterns' phone.
Madeline Soto's aunt gives tearful statement
An aunt of Madeline Soto gave an tearful victim impact statement during Stephan Stern's plea hearing. Sterns pled no contest to murdering the 13-year-old and guilty to sexual battery.
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Stephan Sterns pleads no contest to murder, guilty to sexual battery
Stephan Sterns pleads no contest to murder of Madeline Soto
Stephan Sterns, the Florida man accused of raping and murdering 13-year-old Madeline Soto, pleaded no contest to murder and entered a guilty to plea for his sexual battery charges.
Stephan Sterns has pleaded no contest to first-degree murder in the death of Madeline Soto. He pleaded guilty to several charges of sexual battery.
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The court hearing has started. Stephan Sterns is in court, wearing his orange inmate uniform.
The court hearing has started. Stephan Sterns is in court.
The backstory:
Investigators said Sterns repeatedly sexually abused Madeline before eventually killing her and dumping her body in a rural part of Osceola County in 2024.
Madeline was the daughter of Sterns’ girlfriend.
Madeline Soto celebrates her 13th birthday. (Photo: Jenn Soto)
The Source: This story was written based on information shared previously from the Orange County Sheriff's Office and the Kissimmee Police Department. Additional details about the case was provided by the online court records.