There is new evidence that suggests possibly more people were involved in the disappearance and death of 13-year-old Madeline Soto.
Fox 35 reports that the State Attorney’s Office has a 64-page file with several emails between Stephan Stern, 37, and his family that allude to others being involved in what happened to Madeline.
The emails the State Attorney’s Office has are from May 29 to July 1. It is believed the communications are with Stern’s possible brother, Chris, and their mother.
One of the emails from Chris’s account, written by Stern’s mother, stated, “We all know [redacted] was heavily involved in this, and I am disgusted that she is free, and you are not, when this is not all your fault!! You need to think about yourself more and her less. She sure isn’t thinking of you and how she can help you right now.”
During the course of the investigation, law enforcement has mentioned possibly other suspects.
In March, Kissimmee Police Chief Betty Holland said, “Everyone who was close to Madeline is considered a suspect until proven otherwise.”
In April, during a press conference, Homicide Unit Chief Will Jay said, “This is not over. There is an ongoing investigation to uncover more evidence.”
Sterns is currently a resident of Osceola County Jail, where he is charged with first-degree murder, sexual battery, molestation, and possession of child sex abuse material.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, the body of a missing Florida teen who had been the subject of a desperate search was found on March 1 in a wooded area in Osceola County.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said Madeline’s body was found off Hickory Tree Road around 4:30 p.m., as reported by WOFL. Police found the body after receiving a tip, following a press conference earlier that Friday.
The discovery was made in the area where Stephan Sterns, the boyfriend of Madeline’s mother, Jennifer Soto, was seen that Monday afternoon, around 1 or 2 p.m., when he stopped to change a tire.
Sterns, who was arrested that Wednesday on child pornography charges after police found disturbing images on his cell phone, told investigators he had dropped Madeline off about half a mile from her school Monday morning.
In April, a grand jury indicted Sterns with first-degree murder in Madeline’s death, nearly two months after her body was found in Osceola County.
The indictment alleges that Sterns killed Madeline between February 25 and February 27, but no other details about the death were released, according to WOFL.
Currently, Sterns is the only person arrested and charged with Madeline’s murder and disappearance; however, the case remains open.
The State Attorney’s Office intends to pursue the death penalty against Sterns.
This is still a developing story. Check back with CrimeOnline for the most updated information.
