February 29, 2024 – Items of evidence were documented and collected

White colored, TurbyTwist brand hair towel, with multicolored cupcake designs Hanging on divider 1

• Pink brand, black colored panties, size medium
• Black colored, unknown brand tank top, size medium On the floor, between divider 1 and dresser 18, white colored, Utopia Towels brand hand towels Top right drawer of dresser (facing the dresser)

Seventeen pairs of female underwear:

• Purple with white and pale pinkish-orange flowers and white and light blue dots designs, Hanes brand, size 12
• Light purple, with light blue top elastic band, Hanes brand, size 12
• Light purple, with yellow top elastic band (torn) and elastic borders, and a figurine of a unicorn and the word “Wednesday”, Cat & Jack brand, size 10
• Light blue, with pink top elastic band, Hanes brand, size 12
• Dark purple, with light purple top elastic band, Hanes brand, size 12
• Black, Pink brand, size small
• Mint green, with light purple top elastic band and elastic borders, and a figurine of a dinosaur with the word “Monday”, Cat & Jack brand, size 10
• Pink, with a purple bow, Joe Boxer brand, size 6
• White with black and light pink leopard pattern, with light pink elastic band, Fruit of the Loom brand, size 10
• White, light purple, and light blue, with light purple top elastic band and elastic borders, Hanes brand, size 12
• Pink, with light pink top elastic band and elastic borders, Cat and Jack brand, size 10
• Navy blue, Pink brand, size medium
• Multicolored (white, light gray, light and dark purple, and a pale pinkish-orange) with light blue top elastic band and elastic borders, Hanes brand, size 12
• Light blue, with light purple top elastic band, Hanes brand, size 12
• Light blue, with light pink top elastic band, Fruit of the Loom, size 10
• Burgundy, with lightish pink top elastic band and elastic borders, and a figurine of a cloud with rain and stars and the word ” Wednesday”, unknown brand and size
  
• Pale pinkish-orange, with a light purple top elastic band, Hanes brand, size 12

Top third drawer of dresser, counting from right to left (facing the dresser)

• Black colored, Ambiance brand tank top, size large
• Gray colored, LootWear Exclusive brand, “Back to the Future” shirt, size extra large Middle right drawer of dresser (facing the dresser)
• Black colored, Old Navy brand shirt, size extra small
• Black colored, Tommy Hilfiger brand shirt, size medium
• Sage green colored, Old Navy brand, long sleeved shirt, size extra small Middle left drawer of dresser (facing the dresser)
• Black colored, Glam Jamz brand, multicolored polka dot pants
• Pink colored notebook Bottom left drawer of dresser (facing the dresser)

Miscellaneous items of clothing and one towel:

• Light blue colored shirt, with a rainbow logo made out of hearts, stripes, dots, and a leopard print design, with the words: “It`s my birthday, Twosday 2-22-22”, Canvas brand, size small
• Black colored, Champions brand shorts, size large (10-12)
• Gray colored, Pink brand panties with a white colored top elastic band with a black stripe and the word “pink” all around, size medium
• Black colored, Pink brand panties, size medium
• Black colored, Ambiance brand shorts, size small
• Two, black colored, Pink brand, boxer style shorts, size medium
• Black colored, Pink brand panties, size medium
• White colored, DKNY brand towel, with black colored dotted lines, and black colored top and bottom ends
• From inside laundry basket

February 26, 2024

8:00 PM, Madeline Soto, a 13-year old was reported missing to the Orange County Sheriff`s Office by her mother, Jennifer Soto (Orange County case 24-011313).

• Jennifer stated on 02/26/2024, at approximately 8:00 AM, she saw Madeline getting ready for school. Jennifer stated Stephan Sterns took her to school and dropped her off close to the school. Jennifer said Stephan dropped Madeline off on Town Loop Boulevard between Town Center Boulevard and Hunters Park Lane. Jennifer said Stephan dropped her off between 0830 hours and 0845 hours. Jennifer stated Madeline never made it to school. Jennifer went to Hunters Creek Middle School around 4:00 PM to pick Madeline up and she never came out of the school. Jennifer stated she searched around the area and then went to her mother`s office but could not locate her.

11:15 PM – Jennifer Soto (Madeline`s mother) and Stephan Sterns (Jennifer`s boyfriend) both provided detectives following information:

• On the morning of 2/27/2024, Stephan took Madeline to school in a silver 2010 Lincoln MKZ (IYLL82-FL).
• Stephan dropped Madeline off a block away from school due to her not wanting to be seen in an old Lincoln.
• They stated that Madeline forgot her phone at home, and that Madeline has ADHD and is usually forgetful.
• They stated that Madeline did not take any personal items or leave any notes hinting to her running away.
• They stated they have not had any recent arguments.
• Jennifer and Detectives looked through Madeline`s cellphone, including her recently deleted messages, which did not contain anything suspicious or hinting to her wanting to run away. There was a text message Madeline sent to a friend, stating when she turns 18 years old, she wants to live in the woods.
• While looking to each family member`s vehicles outside detectives observed a handgun in the rear back pocket of the driver`s seat in the Lincoln MKZ, which Stephan stated he usually leaves it in the vehicle. Stephan also told detectives to not to pay attention to the donut tire on his vehicle, due to him recently catching a flat tire earlier that day.

11:16 PM LE Secured the scene.

• LE Secured the scene, no one inside of the aforementioned address unless they were escorted by a Law Enforcement Officer.

February 27 , 2024

• 11:16 AM Detectives Hunt made contact with Jennifer at her residence. Jennifer stated the following during her statement: Jennifer stated she last saw Madeline at approximately 8:00 PM of 02/25/2024. Jennifer stated Madeline went to the guest bedroom to sleep along with Stephan because she just started a new job and needed to get some sleep which she had not gotten recently. Jennifer stated Madeline typically sleeps with her and when Stephan comes into town he would sleep in the guest bedroom.
• Orange County Sheriff`s Office received information that Madeline did not report to school on the previous day.
• 12:05 PM – Police Interviewed Stephan Stern who also provided consent to search his phone, however he stated had accidentally performed a factory reset on his phone on 02/26/2024.
  
• 07:16 PM – Second Interview Detectives asked Stephan a second time if he consented to the download of his phone and he agreed and provided his pass code.
• Detectives reviewed video Venetian Bay and observed Stephan`s vehicle exiting the complex with a female wearing a green sweater in the front passenger seat. The female was slumped over to her left, which is an abnormal way for a person to be seated in a vehicle.
  
• Decision was made by Kissimmee Police Department secure the location for the search warrant to be executed next day on February 28, 2024
• Detectives began looking into license plate readers throughout Orange County and Osceola County. It was discovered that Stephan`s vehicle traveled to St. Cloud the morning he supposedly drooped victim off at school. DOT cameras followed Stephan from Kissimmee to St. Cloud where he turned south onto Hickory Tree Rd. Approximately 45 minutes later, Stephan`s vehicle is seen traveling back through the intersection, now having a spare tire on the vehicle. Detective Morris and I then traveled to St. Cloud to locate more video surveillance in an attempt to see where Stephan traveled after turning onto Hickory Tree Rd but we were unable to locate any other then Hickory Tree Elementary School. A subpoena was submitted for the video.
• 10:09 PM – The Orange County Sexual Assault Unit drafted a DNA warrant along with an arrest warrant for Stephan Michael Sterns.
• 11:32 PM – Detectives interviewed Jennifer Soto.
• 12:05 PM – Detectives interviewed Stephan Sterns. During these interviews, Detectives noticed some inconsistencies.
  

February 28, 2024: Warrant

• Osceola County Issued an arrest warrant. Stephan was transported by an Orange County Deputy to the Osceola County Jail where he is being held with no bond.
• Search warrant was executed on Stephan`s cellular phone. Upon reviewing the contents of Stephan`s phone, it was discovered several images were saved in a Google Drive. A separate search warrant was served to Google and upon the receipt of the contents of Stephan`s Google Drive, several images and videos were located which depicted an apparent child with her breasts, vagina, and anal opening as the focal point of the pictures/videos. There were also SA pictures and videos.
• 4:00 PM Stephan Sterns Interviewed – Stephan was arrested for sexual battery when the victim was under 12 years old and possession of child pornography. A search warrant was obtained to collect DNA from Stephan. This warrant was executed by Orange County detectives and forensic unit.
  
• 4:45 PM – Jennifer was interviewed in a conference room at the sheriff`s office. Jennifer was asked questions about Madeline being missing and the dynamics of the household. Jennifer stated her and Stephan had been dating on and off for approximately seven years. Stephan had moved out of the home in the later part of 2023 (November/December). Jennifer stated while they were together they would either all sleep in the same bed or Madeline would sleep with her when Stephan was not there. When asked if it was normal that Stephan and Madeline to sleep together without her being there and she said yes. Jennifer stated if she needed a good night sleep due to her anxiety, she would ask them to sleep in a different bedroom. Orange County Detective`s had previously shown Jennifer photographs of Stephan`s penis for identification purposes. Jennifer did not want believe and Stephan were engaged in sexual activity.
• The Orange County Sheriff`s Office Forensic Unit responded and assisted in searching through the trash from the dumpster. Crime Scene Investigators located a tire which in the trash, and near the tire was a plastic bag that looked similar to the one Stephan is seen on camera throwing away. Inside the bag was a black backpack with a Hawaiian print. Inside the backpack was an Orange County Public Schools laptop computer belonging to Madeline Soto. Also, in the bag was a single with croc. This croc matched one that was found in the residence where Madeline resided. These items were collected by the Orange County Sheriff`s Office Crime Scene Investigators and submitted into evidence.

February 29, 2024: Extradition Warrant

• 2:45 PM Forensic Unit began processing an apartment
• 5:09 PM February 29, 2024, Detectives contacted Jennifer and advised Jennifer that crime scene technicians were there to collect additional items that were seen in Stephan`s photographs. Jennifer confirmed on the morning of 02/26/2024, she was woken up by Stephan trying to put the leash on their dog. Jennifer got up and Stephan told her not to worry about it and go back to sleep. Jennifer said she doesn`t remember Stephan coming back in to tell her goodbye, or saying goodbye to Madeline. I asked her about writing a statement to Orange County deputies about seeing Madeline on the morning of 02/26/2024. Jennifer stated she wanted to believe she saw Madeline, but she actually did not see her. Jennifer said Madeline picked out clothes to wear on the evening of 02/25/2024. I asked Jennifer to explain her and Stephan`s sex life, which she described as “vanilla”. Stephan would want to have anal sex with Jennifer, but she said she didn`t want to. We later spoke about what medication Madeline was taking. Jennifer stated Madeline was taking 20 mg Adderall, 25mg of Hydroxyzine.
• 7:33 PM Detectives interviewed Angelica Nigro, who is one of Jennifer`s roommates. She stated she arrived home at approximately 10:30 PM on 02/25/2024. Angelica stated she did not see either of them, and said when Jennifer takes her sleeping medication, she falls into a deep sleep.
• 8:30 PM The apartment processing was complete
  
• 7:30 PM Extradition felony warrant issued for Stephan Michael Sterns,

March 1, 2024,

• 11:57 AM: Detectives contacted Jennifer at her residence for a follow up interview. She was advised Jennifer that they would be taking her to the Orange County Sheriff`s Office to retrieve her vehicle. Jennifer became silent for a few moments and started to cry. Jennifer said she had been avoiding the internet because of the things being said or leaked to the media and it was traumatizing for her. I asked Jennifer where all she has physically looked for Madeline since she had gone missing. Jennifer said she has not looked anywhere for Madeline because she wanted to be home in case she came back home. Jennifer said she has since been staying at her sister`s house because she didn`t want to be seen in public. I asked Jennifer is Madeline had any siblings, and she said she was married to Steven Young and he had a daughter that was raised along with Madeline. That would be the only person who would be considered a sibling. Jennifer said Stephan has been around Steven and his daughter, Ashlynn, a few times. Jennifer said Steven lived in Williamsburg which is by Sea World. I asked Jennifer if her or Stephan was in contact with Steven and she said yes, by text messages and phone calls. I asked Jennifer if I could see those messages and she handed me her phone and said yes. I asked Jennifer how Steven found out about Madeline and she said she told him. Steven was in shock when he heard the news.
• 4:00 PM: Crime Analyst Donna Sita from the Osceola County Sheriff`s Office contacted a witness, Thomas Carris. Thomas told Donna he saw a person matching the description of Stephan with a tire iron in his hand standing next to a silver sedan on Hickory Tree Road. Thomas believed this was on 02/26/2024, at approximately 1:20 PM. Thomas provided pictures of the location where he saw this person and pointed out the location on a map to Donna. Donna then relayed this information to other deputies who were searching the area for Madeline.
• Captain Lori Mingone and Sergeant Sharise Swan responded to the area that Thomas identified. Sergeant Swan knew the property owner who provided access to the locked gates to the property. Captain Mingone walked towards a row of bamboo trees to the left of the opened gate. Captain Mingone located a small body wearing blue jeans and a green sweater. The body had dried grass and hay on top of the body.

March 2, 2024, Autopsy

• 10:00 AM: The autopsy was preformed by Dr. Stephan Giles. Prior to the autopsy, Once they examined Madeline`s body when it was initially uncovered. they noticed her socks were clean on the bottom. Dr. Giles expressed concern over the hyoid bone in Madeline`s neck. Dr. Giles stated the right portion of the bone was not intact, which could possibly be related to her being strangled. Dr. Giles listed the initial outcome of the autopsy as pending.

March 5, 2024

• 2:19 PM: Steven Young was identified as Jennifer`s ex-husband, prior to Stephan. Steven stated he married Jennifer in 2015 and divorced in either 2016 Steven stated he met Jennifer through a dating website. Steven stated they lived in Venetian Bay while they were married, in the same location as Jennifer is living now. When they were living together, it was Steven, Jennifer, Juan (Jennifer`s father), Madeline and Steven`s daughter Ashlynn Young. Steven stated Juan stayed in the bedroom downstairs, he and Jennifer stayed in a room upstairs, and both Madeline and Ashlynn had their own bedrooms upstairs as well. Steven stated the relationship was good in the beginning, but later on in the relationship, Jennifer began having mental health issues. Steven said there were times when he would have to take care of the household, when Jennifer was having a bad time with her mental health. Steven decided to remove Ashlynn from that atmosphere, which is when they decided to get divorced. Steven said he considered Madeline as his daughter due to amount of time they spent together. Ashlynn and Madeline would play games online once a month for a few years. Steven would join the game just to talk with Madeline. Steven would move to Colorado in 2022.

March 14, 2024

• Corporal Edward Diehl authored a search warrant to obtain the fingerprints of Stephan. The warrant was signed by the Honorable Judge John Beamer.

March 15, 2024

• 09:41 AM, Detective Acevedo and I responded to the Osceola County Jail to execute the search warrant for Stephan`s fingerprints. Crime Scene Technician Alex Figueroa and Supervisor Isabel Johnson also responded to collect the fingerprints. Stephan was provided a copy of the signed search warrant and he cooperated while his fingerprints were collected. Once the fingerprints were collected, Stephan was escorted to his portion of the jail.

March 20, 2024

• 1:56 PM Detective Smallwood and I responded to 4030 Packard Avenue, Saint Cloud, Florida, where we contacted Walter Roska. Walter had previously called in a tip regarding possibly seeing Stephan changing his tire. Walter stated the following under oath: Walter stated he saw the media release about attempting to identify Stephan and his vehicle and where he may have changed his tire. Walter said he noticed a person resembling Stephan and the vehicle mentioned on the side of the road just south of Hickory Tree Road and Old Hickory Tree Road. Walter didn`t think anything about it and continued driving. Walter mentioned he seen this vehicle at approximately 12:00 PM, on 02/26/2024. It is unknown if Walter was unsure about his timeframe, due to the fact that Stephan was not in that area at 1200 hours, based upon security footage and cell phone data.

March 28, 2024

• the Honorable Judge J. Bigney signed a search warrant for Madeline`s medical records. The warrant was executed at 102 Park Place Boulevard #D1, Kissimmee, Florida 34741 (OPA Behavioral Health). I was provided her medical records upon execution of the warrant. Upon reviewing Madeline`s medical records, it appears that she was diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety disorder. These records were submitted into evidence at the Kissimmee Police Department. The Honorable Judge J. Bigney also singed a search warrant for the Fitbit device that Stephan was wearing during the time he was with Madeline on 02/26/2024. This warrant was sent to Google who provides the records for Fitbit.

April 10, 2024

• 2:53 PM Stephan calls Chris Sterns, using inmate identification 1419688. 12:57 minutes into the call Stephan tells Chris, “you know that I would have never wanted that for her”, meaning Madeline. Stephan then says “I am not sure really that any one person is specifically responsible, its probably a combination of factors that led to it”, “I have never felt anything like that before, it was horrible”. Chris tells Stephan that he hopes the truth will come out, and Stephan responds “Well, yeah”, as if he was dodging that statement. This call was downloaded and submitted into Evidence.com.

April 11, 2024

• Detectives received a message from Chris stating he had an update regarding this case. I contacted Chris by telephone who stated he was cleaning out the storage unit he had on Executive Avenue. Chris stated he opened one of the storage bins and located a hard drive that would be normally housed in a desktop computer. In the same storage bin Chris located a watch, that Stephan previously told Chris during a phone call from the Osceola County Jail was in his bedroom. Chris stated Stephan must have gained access to the storage unit when he made the trip to Northport on 02/28/2024. I told Chris that I would have a Detective from Northport Police Department contact him to arrange a time to retrieve the hard drive. Chris previously stated he witnessed Stephan using his desk top computer on 02/24/2024, and he never gained access to the residence after leaving to Kissimmee on 02/25/2024. It appears that Stephan had intentionally removed the hard drive from his computer in an attempt to conceal the contents.

April 12, 2024

• Detectives drove to Northport Police Department to retrieve the items that Chris provided to Detective`s. There was a hard drive that appeared to be removed from a desk top or tower computer and two other USB drives. A search warrant will be obtained to retrieve the contents of those drives.

April 15, 2024

• the Honorable Judge Michael Murphy, signed a search warrant for the hard drive and two USB drives collected from Chris. These items were delivered to Agent Georgie Torres with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to be examined.

April 17, 2024

• the Honorable Judge Michael Murphy, signed a search warrant to obtain the iCloud records from Apple for Jennifer and Madeline. The search warrant was submitted to Apple via email.

April 18, 2024,

• 8:30 AM Jennifer and her attorney Matthews Bark, arrived at the Kissimmee Police Department, based upon an investigative subpoena that was issued by the State Attorney`s Office. Due to technical issues with State Attorney Will Jay`s computer, the interview was moved to the State Attorney`s Office at the Osceola County Courthouse. The interview was led by State Attorney Will Jay. Will placed Jennifer under oath who swore to tell the truth during the interview. Will asked Jennifer if she was working on the night of 02/25/2024, at Disney and she stated yes and she got home approximately 2230 hours. Jennifer stated when she got home, Stephan and Madeline were the only people downstairs. Jennifer could not remember what either Stephan or Madeline were wearing when she got home from work. Will asked Jennifer if she remember if Madeline was wearing a green sweatshirt when she got home from work and she stated no, she was not wearing that. Jennifer stated Madeline would have been wearing whatever clothes she would be sleeping in. Jennifer could not remember what time Stephan got to the residence. Jennifer stated she was in her bedroom with Stephan and Madeline approximately 30 minutes before she sent them upstairs to go to bed. Will asked Jennifer why Stephan wasn`t invited to the party, and she stated because her mother doesn`t get along with Stephan. Jennifer stated she instructed Madeline to take her night time medication when she got home, which Jennifer states she allows Madeline to do time to time.

April 22, 2024

• Detectives responded to FDLE and made contact with Agent Torres to retrieve the downloads from the two USB drives and hard drive. Upon reviewing the data from the USB drives, one of the drives was empty and the other drive contained over 35000 images of child pornography. It did not appear that was in any of those images. The hard drive was not used since 2020, and it did not contain anything of evidentiary value.

April 24, 2024

• this case was brought before a grand jury and Stephan Sterns was indicted on First Degree Pre Meditated Murder.

April 30, 2024

• the Honorable Judge Vincent Chiu signed search warrants for Madeline`s pediatrician and gastroenterologist doctors. A supplement will be completed with the results of the medical records.

February 26, 2024,

• 7:30 AM Stephan is seen driving his vehicle to the dumpster in Venetian Bay. Stephan is wearing a red shirt and tan pants. Stephan exits the vehicle and throws away two large white trash bags. In the passenger seat of Stephan`s vehicle is a white female wearing a green sweatshirt with her head slumped over to the left. The positioning of the female does not appear to be normal and she doesn`t move while Stephan is exiting or entering the vehicle. The female appears to be Madeline.
• 8:10 AM: Stephan is driving south on John Young Parkway approaching Thacker Avenue. Madeline is still in the front passenger seat in the same position.
• 8:19 AM: Stephan enters Venetian Bay and exits the rear of the complex at 0831 hours. Madeline is still in the front passenger seat in the same position.
• 9:01 AM: Stephan is driving north on International Drive and Central Florida Parkway. Madeline is still in the front passenger seat in the same position. This confirms that Stephan did not drop Madeline off at or near school as he previously stated.
• 9:35 AM: Stephan is driving into the parking garage of 9271 South John Young Parkway. Stephan drives up to the second level and parks near the northeast corner of the lot. Stephan backs his vehicle into a parking space by the stairs. Stephan exits his vehicle and walks towards the rear of his vehicle and opens the trunk. At 0941 hours, Stephan is seen placing Madeline, who is wearing a green sweatshirt and blue pants, in the trunk of his vehicle. Stephan then exits the parking garage.
• 10:14 AM: Stephan enters Venetian Bay through the east gate of the complex. Madeline is no longer seen in the front passenger seat of his vehicle.
• 10:54 AM: Stephan is seen driving to the dumpster in Venetian Bay throwing away more trash.
• 11:22 AM: Stephan drives to 13651 South John Young Parkway (eSmokerOnline Vape Shop). Stephan makes a purchase and leaves shortly afterwards.
• Stephan`s vehicle then travels east on Highway 192 towards Saint Cloud, Florida. His vehicle is captured on several traffic cameras as well as license plate readers.
• 1:16 PM: Stephan is driving south Old Hickory Tree Road. Stephan passes Hickory Tree
• 1:17 PM: Passing an Elementary
• 2:11 PM: Stephan is driving west on Highway 192 from Old Hickory Tree Road. Stephan`s vehicle now has a spare tire on the rear driver`s side of his vehicle.
• 3:21 PM: Stephan is seen throwing items in the dumpster in Venetian Bay.

February 27, 2024

• 3:18  PM: Jennifer`s vehicle is seen driving east on Highway 192 through Kissimmee to Saint Cloud, Florida. The vehicle takes the same exact path as Stephan.
• 3:35 PM: Jennifer`s vehicle is seen driving south on Old Hickory Tree Road from Highway 192.
• 4:09 PM: The vehicle is then seen again turning west on Highway 192 from Old Hickory Tree Road at 0409 hours.

Madeline`s phone revealed the following:

• 12/16/2023, at 0047 hours, Madeline sends a text message to Stephan that contained a photograph of two coins.

Detailed information about steps in the health application for iPhone during the time frame between 02/25/2024 at 2030 hours and 02/26/2024 at 1600 hours:

• 02/25/2024 at 2209 hours – 9 steps taken
• 02/25/2024 at 2319 hours – 31 steps taken and 1 floor climbed, which matched the time when Jennifer sent Madeline
• and Stephan upstairs to go to sleep.
• 02/26/2024 at 0705 hours – 113 steps
• 02/26/2024 at 0715 hours- 50 steps
• 02/26/2024 at 1055 hours – 8 steps, which is when Stephan is back at the residence.
• 02/26/2024 at 1437 hours – 54 steps, which is when Jennifer would be taking Madeline`s phone to her when she left to go pick her up from school.
• 02/26/2024 at 1703 hours were the next steps counted Madeline`s phone was plugged in to charge on 02/25/2024 at 2338 hours.
• 02/26/2024 at 0704 hours Madeline`s phone is unplugged from the charger on 02/26/2024 at 0704 hours. The phone is then powered off at 0716 hours. This pattern of Madeline`s cellular phone use is not typical of her normal day. Which shows this activity was not physically done by Madeline.
• 02/26/2024, at 1055 hours, is the next time Madeline`s cellular phone is turned back on, which coincides with the 8 steps it moved at the same time. Stephan and Angelica would have been the only people in the house at that time, and per Angelica`s statement, she was inside of her bedroom during this time and only seen Stephan while he was doing laundry

Jennifer`s cellular phone download, the following was observed:

• Jennifer would set an alarm at 0730 hours, on days that she would bring Madeline to school.

There were messages between Jennifer and Stephan on

• 02/25/2024, starting at 2339 hours, that stated the following:
• 02/25/2024 at 2339 hours – Jennifer text Stephan “Make sure she goes to bed right now”
• 02/25/2024 at 2339 hours – Stephan replies “Ok sweetie, goodnight”
• 02/25/2024 at 2339 hours – Jennifer replies “Goodnight”
• 02/25/2024 at 2340 hours – Stephan texts Jennifer “She`s built her nest and she`s settling in now”
• 02/25/2024 at 2340 hours – Jennifer replies “Ok good”
• On 02/25/2024, Jennifer set her cellular phone on a wireless charger at 2354 hours.
• On 02/26/2024, Jennifer set an alarm to go off at 0900 hours. The alarm was removed from the notifications while still on the wireless charger.
• On 02/26/2024, at 0919 hours, Jennifer`s cellular phone was physically removed from the wireless charger. This is consistent with her daily activities with removing the alarm notifications, or snoozing the alarm.
• There were several other messages between her and Stephan regarding Madeline sleeping in the same room together.
• There was also text messages between Stephan and Jennifer claiming Stephan gave Madeline an extra dose of her medication when it was not necessary.

The following items of evidentiary value were observed throughout the residence:

• Silver colored, Apple brand laptop, SN:C17G2H3YQ6L4, with a clear colored, Incase brand laptop case Under pillow on bed
• Black colored, WD brand, Easystore model drive, SN: WX31A792CU5F with a USB cable attached Inside top drawer of nightstand south of bed
• Black colored, HP brand laptop, SN: CND01501XB Inside a cart in the closet
• Black and brown colored, WT3130 brand tripod
• White colored, Royal living brand, king size comforter
• Purple colored, unknown brand pillowcase, with constellation design
• Gray colored, unknown brand fuzzy blanket Inside closet
• Gray colored, unknown brand fuzzy robe, size large
• Blue colored, Member`s Mark brand towel, with green and yellowish dinosaurs` designs
• White colored, unknown brand pillowcase with a light purple constellation pattern
• White colored, unknown brand towel with dark and light blue colored stripes Corner between closet and bathroom, on the floor
• Gray colored, Hurley brand crew-neck sweatshirt, unknown size
• Black colored, Place brand biker shorts, size XXL/TTG 16
• Light blue colored, Pink brand panties, size small On the floor, between tub and sink in bathroom

Victim`s bedroom

White colored, TurbyTwist brand hair towel, with multicolored cupcake designs Hanging on divider 1

• Pink brand, black colored panties, size medium
• Black colored, unknown brand tank top, size medium On the floor, between divider 1 and dresser 18, white colored, Utopia Towels brand hand towels Top right drawer of dresser (facing the dresser)

Seventeen pairs of female underwear:

• Purple with white and pale pinkish-orange flowers and white and light blue dots designs, Hanes brand, size 12
• Light purple, with light blue top elastic band, Hanes brand, size 12
• Light purple, with yellow top elastic band (torn) and elastic borders, and a figurine of a unicorn and the word “Wednesday”, Cat & Jack brand, size 10
• Light blue, with pink top elastic band, Hanes brand, size 12
• Dark purple, with light purple top elastic band, Hanes brand, size 12
• Black, Pink brand, size small
• Mint green, with light purple top elastic band and elastic borders, and a figurine of a dinosaur with the word “Monday”, Cat & Jack brand, size 10
• Pink, with a purple bow, Joe Boxer brand, size 6
• White with black and light pink leopard pattern, with light pink elastic band, Fruit of the Loom brand, size 10
• White, light purple, and light blue, with light purple top elastic band and elastic borders, Hanes brand, size 12
• Pink, with light pink top elastic band and elastic borders, Cat and Jack brand, size 10
• Navy blue, Pink brand, size medium
• Multicolored (white, light gray, light and dark purple, and a pale pinkish-orange) with light blue top elastic band and elastic borders, Hanes brand, size 12
• Light blue, with light purple top elastic band, Hanes brand, size 12
• Light blue, with light pink top elastic band, Fruit of the Loom, size 10
• Burgundy, with lightish pink top elastic band and elastic borders, and a figurine of a cloud with rain and stars and the word ” Wednesday”, unknown brand and size
  
• Pale pinkish-orange, with a light purple top elastic band, Hanes brand, size 12

Top third drawer of dresser, counting from right to left (facing the dresser)

• Black colored, Ambiance brand tank top, size large
• Gray colored, LootWear Exclusive brand, “Back to the Future” shirt, size extra large Middle right drawer of dresser (facing the dresser)
• Black colored, Old Navy brand shirt, size extra small
• Black colored, Tommy Hilfiger brand shirt, size medium
• Sage green colored, Old Navy brand, long sleeved shirt, size extra small Middle left drawer of dresser (facing the dresser)
• Black colored, Glam Jamz brand, multicolored polka dot pants
• Pink colored notebook Bottom left drawer of dresser (facing the dresser)

Miscellaneous items of clothing and one towel:

• Light blue colored shirt, with a rainbow logo made out of hearts, stripes, dots, and a leopard print design, with the words: “It`s my birthday, Twosday 2-22-22”, Canvas brand, size small
• Black colored, Champions brand shorts, size large (10-12)
• Gray colored, Pink brand panties with a white colored top elastic band with a black stripe and the word “pink” all around, size medium
• Black colored, Pink brand panties, size medium
• Black colored, Ambiance brand shorts, size small
• Two, black colored, Pink brand, boxer style shorts, size medium
• Black colored, Pink brand panties, size medium
• White colored, DKNY brand towel, with black colored dotted lines, and black colored top and bottom ends
• From inside laundry basket

PHYSICAL EVIDENCE:

The following physical evidence was collected from the residence, packaged, and submitted to the Kissimmee Police Department Evidence Unit.

• Item # PR# Description – IB1 164104 Silver colored, Apple brand laptop, SN:C17G2H3YQ6L4, with a clear colored, In case brand laptop case
• IB2 164105 Black colored, WD brand, Easystore model drive, SN: WX31A792CU5F with a USB cable attached
• IB3 164106 Black colored, HP brand laptop, SN: CND01501XB
• IB4 164107 Black and brown colored, WT3130 brand tripod
• IB5 164108 White colored, TurbyTwist brand hair towel, with multicolored cupcake designs
• IB6 164109 Pink brand, black colored panties, size medium
• IB7 164110 Black colored, unknown brand tank top, size medium
• IB8 164111 18, white colored, Utopia Towels brand hand towel

Timeline – Madeline Soto

• 02/22/2024, Thursday – Madeline Soto turned 13
• 02/25/2024 3:00 pm Madeline’s party at grandmother’s house
• 02/25/2024 8:30 pm JS’s sister dropped Madeline off at home after the party.
• 02/25/2024 SS tells JS that MS has taken her “nighttime medicine” and was getting ready for bed.
• 02/25/2024 10:30 pm JS got home from work
• 02/25/2024 11:00 pm Jennifer S got a new job and needed a rest, so she told Stephan and MS to sleep upstairs while she slept downstairs.
• 02/26/2024 7:00 a.m.-7:15 a.m.: SS told detectives that he and Madeline woke up to get an early start so they could get McDonald’s on the way to school.
• 02/26/2024 – 7:35 a.m. Stephan Sterns discarding a trash bag filled with items in the trash compactor of his apartment complex. In the video, there is a female wearing a green sweater, believed to be Madeline, in the front seat of the vehicle. The female appeared completely slumped over with her mouth “ajar.”
• 02/26/2024 7:50 a.m. Stern’s car leaving the apt complex through the back gate wearing a red shirt and a female wearing a green sweater. The female appeared to be **sitting upright with her head slumped to her left side.** She was belted into the seat
• 02/26/2024 8:19 a.m. Sterns, entering through the front gate of the apt complex in his car. There is still a passenger in the car, believed to be Madeline, **in the same position as she was before.**

• 02/26/2024 09:00-9:30 am JS gets out of bed and heads to a dr appointment.
• 02/26/2024 9:40 a.m. Video shows Sterns vehicle pulling into a Holiday Inn on S. John Young Parkway.
• 02/26/2024 9:42 a.m. Sterns wearing a red shirt exits the car and opens the trunk. He opens the passenger side door and carries what appears to be a limp body to the trunk of the vehicle.
• 02/26/2024 9:44 a.m., he’s seen driving away
• 02/26/2024 10 am, SS calls JS to tell her he and MS didnt end up getting McDonald’s as planned because MS was too tired. He also explained to her that he accidentally left his phone at the apartment.
• 02/26/2024 11 am & 11:15 am Jen returns home from a doctor’s apt. SS was home at that time.
• 02/26/2024 – 1:20 pm: He is seen changing a tire on Old Hickory Tree Road. He is Wearing a Green/Light brown backward. The car was facing Harmony.
• 02/26/2024 – 4:30 p.m. – Jenn Soto goes to pick up Maddie from Hunter’s Creek Middle School and finds out her daughter did not attend a class that day. JS reported MS missing.

• 02/26/2024 4:35 p.m.: Multiple cameras captured what is believed to be Sterns arriving to the complex trash compactor in the silver Lincoln sedan. According to documents, he removed a tire, or what appeared to be the tread of a tire, and tossed it in the compactor.
• 02/26/2024 Stephan Sterns was interviewed. He gave consent to search his phone but stated that he had accidentally performed a factory reset earlier.
• 02/26/2024 8 p.m. – Madeline was reported missing. Orange County Sheriff’s Office deputies met her mom at school, canvassed the area, and searched with a bloodhound, but they had no success.
• 02/27/2024 10 PM – Jenn Soto interviews with FOX 35, and Sterns appears in the background
• 02/28/2024 – 4 pm – Sheriff Mina said Madeline Soto had left her phone at home on Monday, the day of her disappearance. When deputies searched it, they learned that Soto had told her friends that she wanted to “live in the woods” after her 13th birthday, triggering a search in the woods area behind Hunter’s Creek Middle School. LE received a Stephan Sterns phone content. Emergency Arrest Warrant was issued for Stephan Sterns.
• 02/28/2024 9:52 p.m. Sterns arrested on unrelated charges, named ‘prime suspect’ in Madeline Soto case