The body of a 13-year-old Florida girl was discovered in a wooded area in Osceola County, ending the search. The girl was last seen on Monday, and her mother’s boyfriend, who was said to be her “prime suspect,” was arrested, police said. NBC News.
Madeline Soto was last seen Monday morning, when her mother’s boyfriend reportedly dropped her off just a few blocks from Hunters Creek Middle School in Orlando. And when the girl’s mother went to pick her up from school that afternoon, she realized that her daughter was not at school and that her cell phone had also been left at her house.
Authorities began searching for the girl that night.
The girl’s mother’s boyfriend, Stephen Stearns, 37, was the last person to see Madeline. He was arrested Wednesday night and charged with sexual assault and possession of child sexual abuse material.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office posted on He has been arrested on suspicion of possessing abusive material.”
“Stephen Stearns is Madeline’s mother’s boyfriend and the last person confirmed to have seen her on the morning of Monday, February 26th. During the investigation of Madeline’s disappearance, Orange County Sheriff’s Office detectives discovered the disturbing images during a forensic examination of Stearns’ cell phone. An examination of the cell phone data revealed an attempt to delete the evidence.”
Orange County Sheriff John Mina said Madeline was likely already dead by Monday morning. Authorities believe Madeline died in Orange County and was ultimately transported to Osceola County in the early morning hours of February 26, the report said. W.F.L.A..
“We have video evidence that shows Stephen Stearns dumping things into a dumpster at an apartment complex in Kissimmee at 7:35 a.m.,” Mina said. “Detectives then recovered Madeline’s backpack and school-issued laptop from the trash can.”
Mina went on to say that the video showed Stearns returning to the facility 45 minutes later with Madeline still in his car.
“We believe she was already dead at that time,” Mina said.
On Friday, the Orange County Public Schools Superintendent released the following statement following the discovery of Madeline’s body:
“I am heartbroken to hear from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office of the tragic death of our precious student Madeline Soto. My thoughts and prayers are with Maddie’s family and her school community. The sudden and tragic loss of a child is extremely difficult, especially for family and friends. Counselors continue to work with students, faculty and staff as they cope with the news. The entire Hunters Creek Middle School community We ask that you continue to pray for us as we grieve the loss of one of our own.”
Madeline is believed to have been killed in Kissimmee, where authorities have taken over the investigation.
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