Man Receives 21 Life Sentences for the Murder of Madeline Soto

A Florida man received 21 life sentences on Monday after pleading no contest to murder and guilty to several charges related to the sexual abuse and death of 13-year-old Madeline Soto. Stephan Sterns, 39, who was romantically involved with Madeline’s mother, made these pleas in a Kissimmee court as part of a negotiated agreement with prosecutors in close collaboration with the girl’s family. The sentences of life imprisonment will run concurrently, meaning Sterns will serve all 21 sentences simultaneously. Madeline’s father, Tyler Wallace, expressed his deep sorrow in court, stating that he would never have the chance to meet the woman Madeline was becoming.

He lamented the loss and the inability to participate more actively in her life. Madeline’s remains were discovered in a wooded area of Osceola County on March 1, 2024, just four days after her mother reported her missing. Authorities had initially arrested Sterns on several charges, including sexual battery and lewd molestation, after examining his phone. A grand jury later indicted him for first-degree murder.

According to court records, Madeline’s mother reported her missing after Sterns supposedly dropped her off at Hunter’s Creek Middle School. However, it was revealed later that Madeline never arrived at school. In his plea, Sterns did not admit guilt regarding the first-degree premeditated murder charge but pleaded guilty to multiple counts of capital sexual battery and other sexual offenses. State Attorney Monique Worrell emphasized the importance of the plea deal, which prevents Sterns from appealing his sentences, thereby offering some closure to Madeline’s family.

In his remarks after sentencing, Sterns expressed regret, claiming he prayed to exchange places with Madeline. Madeline’s maternal grandmother, Yolanda Zambrano, described her deep anguish in a letter shared in court, highlighting the betrayal of Madeline’s innocence and the profound emotional damage inflicted by Sterns. She lamented, “With her, he killed a piece of our souls.”