KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — A teenage girl who went missing in central Florida earlier this week is likely dead, though her body hasn’t been recovered, investigators said Friday.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina said the boyfriend of 13-year-old Madeline Soto’s mother is the primary suspect in the girl’s disappearance.
Stephan Sterns, 37, was the last person to see Madeline alive Monday morning, Mina said. Video evidence shows Sterns discarding items in a trash bin at the family’s Kissimmee apartment complex early Monday morning, officials said. Madeline’s backpack was later found in the bin.
Video also shows Sterns returning to the complex with Madeline visible in the car later in the morning, and detectives believe she was already dead, Mina said.
Sterns was arrested Wednesday and charged with sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material, officials said. Detectives discovered the abuse images and videos when they forensically examined Sterns’ phone, officials said. Investigators believe sexual crimes were committed at the family’s home.
Kissimmee police will take over the criminal investigation, while the sheriff’s office focuses on finding the girl.
Jail records didn’t list an attorney for Sterns.
2024-12-26 11:072620 view
2024-12-26 10:532643 view
2024-12-26 10:511985 view
2024-12-26 10:461867 view
2024-12-26 09:031475 view
2024-12-26 08:541165 view
DAMASCUS — Syrian rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa — better known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani — told Reute
A mobster on his death bed will not spend any time in prison for his theft nearly two decades ago of
This week in men’s college basketball featured its share of upsets, but the highest ranked teams hel