The man accused of the murder of Florida teenager Madeline Soto has been communicating with his parents from jail, revealing his thoughts and feelings about the tragic incident. Stephan Sterns, 38, expressed remorse and regret in the recorded phone calls, which were made available to WESH 2 for review.
In the calls, Sterns admitted to his parents that he was not in a rational state of mind when the incident occurred. He lamented his actions and wished he had reacted differently, saying, “I wish I had done the right thing to begin with.” His mother also expressed regret, stating that Madeline might have been saved if Sterns had acted differently.
Madeline Soto, a 13-year-old girl from Orlando, was reported missing on February 26, 2024. Her body was discovered in the woods in Osceola County four days later, wearing clothing similar to what she had on when she disappeared. Sterns, who was confirmed to be the last person to see Madeline before she went missing, has been charged with her murder.
Authorities suspect that Sterns, who was in a relationship with Madeline’s mother, sexually abused the young girl for years. Explicit photos of Madeline were found on Sterns’ phone, leading to further suspicion of his involvement in her death.
During the phone calls, Sterns’ mother questioned him about the images found on his phone and the sleeping arrangements in the household. Sterns claimed that Madeline’s mother was aware of a supposed crush the girl had on him and joked about it. The couple reportedly shared a bed with Madeline on occasions.
While Sterns never explicitly admitted to murdering Madeline in the recorded calls, he maintained that he found her body after she had already died. He also acknowledged the possibility of facing the death penalty if convicted, stating that he had accepted this outcome.
As the trial for Madeline’s murder approaches in May, Sterns continues to communicate with his parents from jail. Despite his claims of innocence and accidental involvement in the incident, the details surrounding Madeline’s tragic death remain a subject of investigation and legal proceedings.
