OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Florida state prosecutors say they are seeking the death penalty in the case against a man accused of killing his girlfriend's 13-year-old daughter.
The Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office filed a notice of intent Monday to seek the death penalty against Stephan Sterns for the first-degree murder of Madeline Soto.
Soto's mother reported the 13-year-old missing on Feb. 26, east of the Orlando area. As the investigation into Soto's disappearance went on, investigators said they found several "disturbing" photos and videos on Sterns' phone.
While the search for Soto was ongoing, Sterns was arrested on 60 counts of capital sexual battery, lewd or lascivious molestation and unlawful possession of materials depicting sexual performance by a child.
On March 1, Soto's body was found in the woods off Hictory Tree Road in St. Cloud, a little less than 40 miles south of Orlando. Immediately after the teen's body was found, authorities said they were "confident" Sterns was responsible for her death.
In April, a grand jury indicted Sterns for first-degree murder for Soto's homicide.
According to court records, the state intends to prove several factors in its decision to seek the death penalty, including:
- The capital felony occurred while Sterns was engaged in or attempted to commit aggravated child abuse
- Present vulnerability because of a familial or custodial authority to Sterns
- The capital felony was heinous, atrocious or cruel
- Sterns was previously convicted of another felony involving the use or threat of violence to Soto
Investigators say Sterns' current sex charges will serve as priors if he is convicted.
The Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office is not open for public comment to protect the integrity of the case, according to a news release from the office.
Sterns is set to go in front of a jury for first-degree murder at 9 a.m. on July 16, 2024.
