What Happened to Madeline Soto? Inside the Florida Teen’s Murder at the Hands of Her Mother’s Boyfriend

It has been two years since the tragic disappearance of 13-year-old Madeline “Maddie” Soto in Orlando, Florida. On February 26, 2024, her absence from Hunter’s Creek Middle School prompted concerns that ultimately revealed a disturbing series of events leading to the discovery of her body days later.

Madeline, born in February 2011 to Jennifer Soto and Tyler Wallace, lived with her mother and her mother’s boyfriend, Stephan Sterns, in an apartment complex. While her father resides in Texas, maintaining communication predominantly through social media, Madeline was described by her loved ones as a vibrant individual with passions for music, dance, art, and writing, as noted during a community memorial held in her honour.

The fateful day began like any other until her mother reported her missing after she failed to arrive at school. Initially, Sterns claimed he had dropped Madeline off, but surveillance footage quickly refuted his assertion, revealing discrepancies in his story. This led to his arrest on February 28, just two days later, charged with sexual battery and the possession of child sexual abuse material. He was swiftly identified as the prime suspect in Madeline’s disappearance.

Tragically, on March 1, 2024, law enforcement officials discovered Maddie’s body in a secluded wooded area near St. Cloud, Florida. Early investigations indicated that Sterns had strategically disposed of items linked to her, including her backpack and school laptop, in a dumpster on the morning she went missing. Further forensic examinations revealed that Madeline had suffered from strangulation, and the medical examiner ruled her death a homicide.

The abusive nature of the circumstances surrounding Madeline’s death deepened when police uncovered explicit videos and images of child sexual abuse on Sterns’ phone. Allegations emerged during the investigation that he had been abusing the young girl when she was only 11 years old. Jennifer Soto, Madeline’s mother, stated that she had been unaware of Sterns’ actions, claiming she had vigilantly monitored her daughter’s safety, yet evidence suggested otherwise. Reports revealed that Jennifer had allowed Madeline to share a room with Sterns, citing exhaustion from her job as a reason.

Sterns was charged with first-degree murder on April 24, 2024, just two months after Maddie was discovered. Following a refusal to plead guilty at the outset, he later changed his plea in July 2025, when he admitted to first-degree premeditated murder, in addition to multiple counts of sexual battery against minors. The court sentenced him to a staggering 21 life sentences that will run concurrently.

Tyler Wallace, Madeline’s father, expressed the pain spiralling from the loss, stating, “Because of the actions of this depraved man, I will never meet the woman she was becoming.” Such sentiments echoed in the courtroom as family and community members grapple with the impact of her untimely death.

Amidst the revelations surrounding Sterns, law enforcement authorities have clarified that Jennifer Soto is not regarded as a suspect and is not facing any charges related to Madeline’s case. Since the incident, Jennifer has largely retreated from public view, with reports indicating that her phone was disconnected shortly after her daughter’s death.

This deeply sad case continues to resonate in the Orlando community and beyond, spotlighting the tragic circumstances of child abuse and the devastating consequences it can yield. As the two-year anniversary passes, there is a collective hope for healing among those who knew and loved Maddie. Her legacy will remain with a community forever shaped by her vibrant spirit and the injustices that led to such a heartbreaking end.