Madeline Soto case: State to seek death penalty against Stephan Sterns

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OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — The Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office announced Monday that it will seek the death penalty against Stephan Sterns.

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Investigators said Sterns killed 13-year-old Madeline Soto -- his girlfriend’s daughter -- in late February.

Soto’s mother reported her missing Feb. 26, and her body was found in a rural, wooded area near St. Cloud on March 1.

Read: Madeline Soto: Bodycam videos show Stephan Sterns’ 1st interactions with deputies

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“During the investigation into Soto’s disappearance, law enforcement found several disturbing pictures and videos on Sterns’ phone,” the State Attorney’s Office said in a news release. “He was arrested on 60 charges, including capital sexual battery, lewd or lascivious molestation and unlawful possession of materials depicting sexual performance by a child.”

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A grand jury in April indicted Sterns on a first-degree murder charge in Soto’s death.

The State Attorney’s Office said its decision to seek the death penalty in this case is based on several factors, including the following:

Read: Stephan Sterns charged with 1st-degree murder in Madeline Soto’s death

• The capital felony being committed while the defendant was engaged in the commission of -- or an attempt to commit -- aggravated child abuse

• The victim being particularly vulnerable because the defendant stood in a position of familial or custodial authority over the victim

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Photos: Madeline Soto

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