New Documents Reveal Family of Murder Suspect Stephan Sterns Believes Others Involved in Madeline Soto Homicide
Jul 17, 11:50 AM
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.
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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.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Karen Read Trial, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com