New Documents Reveal Family of Murder Suspect Stephan Sterns Believes Others Involved in Madeline Soto Homicide

The Murder Of Maddie Soto

Newly obtained documents in the Madeline Soto homicide case reveal that the family of Stephan Sterns, the murder suspect, believes others were involved in the teen's disappearance and death. The 64-page file from the State Attorney's Office, made available to FOX 35, includes numerous emails exchanged between Sterns, currently held at the Osceola County Jail, and his family members.
Stephan Sterns faces charges of first-degree murder, sexual battery, molestation, and possession of child sex abuse material. The jailhouse communications, spanning from May 29 to July 1, include messages from Chris Sterns, who appears to be the suspect's brother. The emails discuss various topics, including the family's new puppies, books Stephan would like delivered to him in jail, and his complaints about jail conditions.
"The mat is flat and has very little cushion left; the cell is small, filthy, and has some spots on the wall that appear to be bloody fingerprints," Sterns wrote.
Notably, some emails from Chris Sterns' account were authored by their mother, who expressed her belief that another individual was involved in the case. In an email dated June 25, she stated, "We all know [redacted] was heavily involved in this, and I am disgusted that she is free, and you are not when this is not all your fault!!"
Despite these accusations, Stephan Sterns did not acknowledge his mother's claims in his email reply.
Currently, Stephan Sterns is the only person arrested and charged concerning Madeline Soto's disappearance and death. Prosecutors and investigators have emphasized that the case remains open and ongoing. They have hinted at the possibility of uncovering more evidence that could lead to additional charges.
"Everyone that was close to Madeline is considered suspect until we have proven otherwise," Kissimmee Police Chief Betty Holland stated in March.
Homicide Unit Chief Will Jay echoed this sentiment at a press conference in April, saying, "This is not over. There is an ongoing investigation to uncover more evidence."
The State Attorney's Office announced in early June their intention to seek the death penalty against Sterns. In the aforementioned email, Sterns' mother urged him to take the situation seriously, writing, "This stuff is serious - and you need to approach it as life and death, which it is."
Stephan Sterns has been charged with the first-degree murder of 13-year-old Madeline Soto. He has been in custody since February 28, two days after Madeline was first reported missing when she didn't make it to school. During the search for Madeline, Sterns voluntarily handed his phone over to law enforcement, leading to the discovery of graphic photos and videos allegedly involving the missing teen. Madeline's body was found in rural Osceola County on March 1.
Earlier this week, Sterns waived his appearance at a pretrial hearing where the judge approved a defense motion to delay his trials. Another hearing is scheduled for mid-October.
Below is the full email from Stephan Sterns' mother on his brother Chris Sterns' jail communications account from June 25, included in the 64-page document from the State Attorney's Office:
"You don't see the commissary and cannot order anything? I hope that gets resolved quickly. Do you remember your balance? Jail and prison are not meant to be comfortable. All part of the mental punishment I guess. Stay positive, talk with your attorneys. I keep thinking about how you would not ever rat out a friend. It really made me mad and I felt like you valued them over us when you let them get away with stuff. Don't be doing that again. We all know [redacted] was heavily involved in this and I am disgusted that she is free and you are not when this is not all your fault!! You need to think about yourself more and her less. She sure isn't thinking of you and how she can help you right now. That whole family is willing to stay quiet and let you take the fall for everything. When you do that you are hurting us too. Please, get out of your head over this and start talking with your attorneys. This stuff is serious - and you need to approach it as life and death, which it is. I think of the craziness [redacted] lived through with [redacted] various partners ... Not a stable life at all for a child. I do pray for [redacted] and for you daily. I am thrilled that you are working out again and have a physical outlet for the stress. I hope you get your coffee and candy straightened out quickly. So far, I haven't seen a cancellation on Congo. Let us know as stuff filters down to you through the system. THIS Origami book is just paperback - no paper, just patterns if I read it right. Well I am off to feed the curly ones now. Love, hugs and prayers now and every day and night. Mom"
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