Stephen Sterns - Documents Released by Kissimmee PD Regarding The Investigation Into Madeline Sotos Murder

Kissimmee Police Department
Incident Case Number: 24-001896

Reporting Agency: Kissimmee Police
Print Date/Time: 06/13/2024 14:01:22
Disclaimer: The information contained within this report is

reflective of the investigation at the date and time of its printing.
Page 1
Agency Name INCIDENT/INVESTIGATION Case#
24-001896
Kissimmee Police Department REPORT Date / Time Reported
I ORI 03/01/2024 12:16 Fri
N FL0490200 Last Known Secure
C
Location of Incident Gang Relat Premise Type Beat/LawAgcy
02/25/2024 18:00 Sun
I At Found
D 4012 SANTA MARIA DR Apt. 107, Kissimmee FL NO Residence/home 50 02/26/2024 12:00 Mon
E Crime Incident(s) ( Com ) Weapon / Tools Asphyxiation Activity
N #1 Homicide N
T Entry Exit Security
HOM F
D Crime Incident ( ) Weapon / Tools Activity
A #2
T Entry Exit Security
A
Crime Incident ( ) Weapon / Tools Activity
#3
Entry Exit Security
MO
# of Victims 1 Type: INDIVIDUAL (NOT A LE OFFICER) Injury: Other Major Injury Domestic: Y
Victim/Business Name (Last, First, Middle) Victim of DOB Race Sex Relationship Resident Status Military
V V1 SOTO, MADELINE Crime # 02/22/2011 To Offender Branch/Status
I 1 Age 13 W F 1SC Resident
C Home Address Email Home Phone
T 4012 SANTA MARIA DR - 107, Kissimmee, FL 34741-
I
Employer Name/Address Business Phone Mobile Phone
M
VYR Make Model Style Color Lic/Lis VIN
CODES: V- Victim (Denote V2, V3) WI = Witness IO = Involved Other RP = Reporting Person (if other than victim)
Type: INDIVIDUAL (NOT A LE OFFICER) Injury:
O
T Code Name (Last, First, Middle) Victim of DOB Race Sex Relationship Resident Status Military
H SOTO, JENNIFER LISSETTE Crime # 03/02/1988 To Offender Branch/Status
E
PG Age 35 W F Resident
R Home Address Email Home Phone
S 4012 SANTA MARIA DR - 107 KISSIMMEE, FL 34741
I
N Type: INDIVIDUAL (NOT A LE OFFICER) Injury:
V
O Code Name (Last, First, Middle) Victim of DOB Race Sex Relationship Resident Status Military
CASSIDY, CARLOS A Crime # 02/06/1975 To Offender Branch/Status
L IO Age 49
V W M Resident
E Home Address Email Home Phone
D 4001 VENETIAN BAY DR KISSIMMEE, FL 34741 407-343-4933
Venetian Bay, 4001 VENETIAN BAY DR (PROPERTY MANAGE) 407-343-4933
1 = None 2 = Burned 3 = Counterfeit / Forged 4 = Damaged / Vandalized 5 = Recovered 6 = Seized 7 = Stolen 8 = Unknown
("OJ" = Recovered for Other Jurisdiction)
VI Status
# Code Frm/To Value OJ QTY Property Description Make/Model Serial Number
07 EVID $100.00 1 DVR 3X LOGIC USA20100954280
P
R
O
P
E
R
T
Y
Officer/ID# POPP, C. C. (CID, CAU) (637)

Invest ID# MORRIS, M. J. (CID, MCU) (515) Supervisor CASTELLUCCI, E. M. (CID, NUA) (564)
Status Complainant Signature Case Status
Cleared By Arrest
Case Disposition:
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05/13/2024
R_CS1IBR Printed By: GHAMID, 25388 Sys#: 383264 06/13/2024 14:01
Incident Report Additional Name List
Kissimmee Police Department OCA: 24-001896
Additional Name List
Victim of
Name Code/# Name (Last, First, Middle) Crime # DOB Age Race Sex
1) IO 2 DESTEFANO, BRITTANY ANN 01/20/1984 40 W F

Address 3521 CLAY BRICK RD , HARMONY, FL 34773- H: 407-285-5929
Empl/Addr B: - -
Mobile #: - -
2) IO 3 CARRIS, THOMAS PALMER 12/19/2000 23 W M

Address 4240 HICKORY TREE RD , SAINT CLOUD, FL 34772- H: - -
Empl/Addr B: - -
Mobile #: - -
3) IO 5 VESTER, SYLVANA M 01/10/1965 59 W F

Address 6080 HICKORY TREE RD , SAINT CLOUD, FL 34772- H: 407-679-4991
Empl/Addr B: 407-299-5000
Mobile #: - -
4) IO 7 NIGRO GUERRERO, ANGELICA LILIANA 05/14/1991 32 W F

Address 2806 OSPREY COVE PL Apt. 101, KISSIMMEE, FL 34746- H: - -
Empl/Addr B: - -
Mobile #: - -
5) IO 8 ROSERO, NATHALIE 06/10/1990 33 W F

Address 259 JALAPA DR , KISSIMMEE, FL 34743- H: 407-300-4431
Empl/Addr B: - -
Mobile #: - -
6) IO 6 ROSKA, WALTER ROMAN 04/23/1952 72 W M

Address 4030 PACKARD AVE , ST CLOUD, FL 34772- H: 407-552-6788
Empl/Addr B: - -
Mobile #: - -
7) IO 9 STERNS, CHRISTOPHER WALKER 07/23/1951 72 W M

Address 2341 SNUG ST , NORTH PORT, FL 34286- H: - -
Empl/Addr B: - -
Mobile #: - -
8) IO 10 STERNS, DEBRA ANN 05/10/1952 71 W F

Address 2341 SNUG ST , NORTH PORT, FL 34286- H: - -
Empl/Addr B: - -
Mobile #: - -
9) IO 4 PERALTA, FRANK EARL 06/16/1990 33 W M

Address 21935 HAINES AVE , PORT CHARLOTTE, FL 33952- H: - -
Empl/Addr B: - -
Mobile #: - -
R_CS7NC Printed By: GHAMID, 25388 06/13/2024 14:01 Page 3

INCIDENT/INVESTIGATION REPORT
Kissimmee Police Department Case # 24-001896
Status L = Lost S = Stolen R = Recovered D = Damaged Z = Seized B = Burned C = Counterfeit / Forged F = Found
Codes
UCR Status Quantity Type Measure Suspected Type Up to 3 types of activity
D
R
U
G
S
Assisting Officers
Suspect Hate / Bias Motivated:
INCIDENT/INVESTIGATION REPORT
Narr. (cont.) OCA: 24-001896 Kissimmee Police Department
NARRATIVE
R_CS2IBR By: GHAMID, 25388 06/13/2024 14:01 Page 4

REPORTING OFFICER NARRATIVE OCA
Kissimmee Police Department 24-001896
Victim Offense Date / Time Reported
SOTO, MADELINE HOMICIDE Fri 03/01/2024 12:16
On 02/27/2024 at approximately 2355 hours, Officer Clark #909, responded to 4012 Santa Maria Drive #107 in
reference to an attempt to locate in reference to a missing juvenile case being actively investigated by the Orange
County Sheriff`s Office (OCSO report #24-011313).
Officer Clark was informed that 13-year-old Madeline Soto was reported missing to OCSO, due to her last known
location being near Hunter`s Creek Middle School where she was reportedly dropped off. Officer Clark was
requested to make contact with the family, and advise if Madeline returned home. Officer Clark spoke with Jennifer
Soto (Madeline`s mother) and Stephan Sterns (Jennifer`s boyfriend) who provided an initial statement regarding the
circumstances of the missing persons investigation. See report 24-001809 for further information on Officer Clark`s
initial response. As OCSO detectives continued their investigation, evidence of sexual battery Sexual Offense Identity
Sexual Offense Identity in Kissimmee were identified. Officer Clark`s initial report/case number was utilized to
document and charge the sexual battery investigation. On 02/29/2024 an arrest warrant was signed and entered for
Stephan for sexual battery based on that investigation.
On 03/01/2024, continued investigation by the Orange County Sheriff`s Office in conjunction with the Kissimmee
Police Department identified that Madeline was likely the victim of a homicide, and that Stephan Sterns was the
suspect. It was also believed this homicide likely occurred at the Kissimmee home. This separate case number was
generated on 03/01/2024 to document the Kissimmee Police Department`s investigation into the homicide. A more
thorough investigative narrative by lead investigator, Detective Morris, will follow with details regarding those
investigative efforts.
This report will remain active and forwarded to the Criminal Investigations Division.
Reporting Officer: POPP, C. C. Printed By: GHAMID, 25388 06/13/2024 14:01 Page 5
R_CS3NC
Incident Report Suspect List
Name (Last, First, Middle) Also Known As Home Address

1 4012 SANTA MARIA DR - 107
STERNS, STEPHAN MICHAEL
KISSIMMEE, FL 34741
Business Address
DOB Age Race Sex Eth Hgt Wgt Hair Eye Skin Driver's License / State
04/25/1986 37 W M N 602 180 BLK BRO LGT S365793861450 FL
Scars, Marks, Tattoos, or other distinguishing features
Reported Suspect Detail Suspect Age Race Sex Eth Height Weight SSN
Weapon, Type Feature Make Model Color Caliber Dir of Travel

Mode of Travel
Veh Yr / Make / Model Drs Style Color Lic Plate / State VIN
Notes Physical Char
R_CS8IBR Printed By: GHAMID, 25388 06/13/2024 14:01 Page 6

Incident Report Related Property List
Property Description Make Model Caliber

1
DVR 3X LOGIC
Color Serial No. Value Qty Unit Jurisdiction
Black USA20100954280 $100.00 1.000 DU Locally
Status Date NIC # State # Local # OAN
Evidence 03/01/2024
Name (Last, First, Middle) DOB Age Race Sex
Venetian Bay,
Notes
downloaded and returned
R_CS0IBR Printed By: GHAMID, 25388 06/13/2024 14:01 Page 7

CASE SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT Printed: 06/13/2024 14:01
Kissimmee Police Department OCA: 24001896

THE INFORMATION BELOW IS CONFIDENTIAL - FOR USE BY AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY
Case Status: CLEARED BY ARREST Case Mng Status: CLEARED BY ARREST Occurred: 02/25/2024
Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: ANGELO, L. S. (866) Date / Time: 03/02/2024 14:01:49, Saturday

Supervisor: STROBL, K. (336) Supervisor Review Date / Time: 03/02/2024 14:34:20, Saturday
Contact: Reference: Supplement
On March 02, 2024, at approximately 1222 hours, I, Officer Angelo ID 866, was dispatched to make a phone call (PX
321-402-7496) for an additional information to case 24001896.
I made contact with E911 James Carpenter (DOB 10/28/1970), over the phone, who stated he had a surveillance
video of his parents` residence, at 4841 Hickory Tree Road, Saint Cloud. James stated the video was showing a silver
sedan going westbound on Hickory Tree Road, on February 26, 2024, approximately 1320 hours. James stated he
believed the vehicle to be matching the description of the vehicle involved in this case.
I provided a link to James to upload the video to Evidnce.com, which he did.
This supplement will be forwarded to Criminal Investigation Division for further review.
Investigator Signature Supervisor Signature

Page 8

Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: REYES SOTO, R. (749) Date / Time: 03/04/2024 09:30:56, Monday

Supervisor: BREUER, C. D. (598) Supervisor Review Date / Time: 03/04/2024 15:49:41, Monday
On 2/29/2024, at approximately 0600 hours, I, Detective R. Reyes Soto ID 749 responded to 4012 Santa Maria Drive,
Apt. 107. My assignment was to safeguard the location and prevent any entry inside. I remained at this post until
approximately 1400 hours.
This concluded my involvement in this case. This supplement report will be forwarded to the State Attorney`s Office for
further review.

Page 9

Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: CAREY, V. L. (917) Date / Time: 03/04/2024 16:59:38, Monday

Supervisor: FONTANEZ, A. (576) Supervisor Review Date / Time: 03/04/2024 18:54:55, Monday
On March 4, 2024 at 1508 hours, I, Officer Carey ID 917 responded to 8 North Stewart Avenue in reference to
administering a photo line for detectives of the Major Crimes Unit (MCU).
Upon my arrival, I met with Detective Corporal Illgen and was tasked to administer a photo line-up to the witness,
Thomas Carris. I read the photo line-up instructions to which Carris told me he understood and I left the interview
room. Moments later, Carris advised me he completed the photo line up and was able to select photograph #5 as the
person who he saw on the side of the road. I provided Detective Corporal Illgen with this information.
I had no previous knowledge of this case.
I had no other involvement in this case.
I submitted the photo line-up into evidence and is held at Kissimmee Police Department.
A portion of my encounter was recorded on my agency body-worn camera and is held at Kissimmee Police Department.

Page 10

Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: CROOK, T. W. (814) Date / Time: 03/12/2024 10:36:32, Tuesday

Supervisor: BREUER, C. D. (598) Supervisor Review Date / Time: 03/12/2024 11:12:38, Tuesday
On 03/01/2024, at approximately 1030 hours, Detective Fernandez and I responded to Venetian Bay Apartments and
were task with knocking on doors to get any additional information. The following list below are the apartment doors
that we responded to.
2250 San Vital DR
Building 40
Apt 101- No one answered & a business card was left at the door
Apt 102- spoke with Carlos Fernandez who is from Puerto Rico and advised he has not seen the missing juvenile and he
is leaving back to Puerto Rico today
Apt 104- Spoke with Debbie and Ken who advised they have not seen the missing juvenile and they do not know her
and did not see any of the suspect`s vehicles
Apt 106- spoke with Sandra who advised she has not seen the missing juvenile or the suspect`s vehicles
Apt 107- spoke with Chrissy who advised she has not seen the missing juvenile or the suspect`s vehicles
Apt 108- spoke with Melissa who advised she does not know the missing juvenile and has not seen her or the suspect`s
vehicles
2260 San Vital DR
Building 41
Apt 103- spoke with Ryan who advised he has not seen the missing juvenile or the suspect`s vehicles. Arrived at the
location on 02/26/2024
Apt 104- No one answered & missing juvenile`s flyer was left at the door
Apt 105- spoke with Emily who advised she has never seen the missing juvenile and seen the juvenile`s mother`s white
vehicle about 2 weeks ago

Page 11

Offense: HOMICIDE

Apt 107- spoke with Jesus who advised he has not seen the missing juvenile or the suspect`s vehicle. Jesus checked his
ring camera with negative results
Apt 108- spoke with Elida who advised she has not seen the missing juvenile or the suspect`s vehicle
2270 San Vital DR
Building 42
4006 Santa Maria DR
Building 50
Apt 105- No one answered & a business card was left at the door. Has a ring camera
4010 Santa Maria DR
Building 54
Apt 101- spoke with Alexis who did not no anything
Apt 103- spoke with Jose who advised he does not know or seen the missing juvenile and did not see the suspect`s
vehicle
Apt 105- spoke with Jerry who advised he did not recognize the missing juvenile and did not see anything

Page 12

Offense: HOMICIDE

4012 Santa Maria DR
Building 56
Apt 102- spoke with Nathan who advised he has never seen the missing juvenile or the suspect`s vehicle
Apt 104- No one answered & a business card was left at the door. Has a ring camera
Apt 105- spoke with Evelyn who advised she did not see anything
4014 Santa Maria DR
Building 57
Apt 101- voice recording uploaded on to evidence.com by Detective Fernandez
Apt 102- spoke with Candy who advised she has seen the silver Lincoln but does not remember when
Apt 104- spoke with Hugo who advised he seen the missing juvenile about two months ago and has never seen the
suspect`s vehicle
Apt 105- spoke with Hjalmar who advised he does not know the missing juvenile and has not seen the suspect`s vehicle
Apt 106- spoke with Fabia who advised she did not see anything. She has a ring camera that faces the lake but no
recordings
Apt 108- spoke with Karen who advised she has not seen the missing juvenile or the suspect`s vehicle
This concludes my involvement in this case.

Page 13

Offense: HOMICIDE


Page 14

Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: BREUER, C. D. (598) Date / Time: 03/12/2024 15:38:37, Tuesday

Supervisor: CASTELLUCCI, E. M. (564) Supervisor Review Date / Time: 03/13/2024 08:39:07, Wednesday
On 02/29/2024, The Kissimmee Police Department along with the Orange County Sheriff`s Office were working
together in reference to locating a 13 year old juvenile female (Madeline Soto) who was later found deceased.
On this evening at approximately 1930 hours, I Sergeant Christopher Breuer of the Kissimmee Police Department
responded to 4012 Santa Maria Dr. # 107 Kissimmee, FL in reference to assisting with an interview with a female who
resided at this address. Upon my arrival, I met with Detective Mark Morris.
Detective Morris explained to me that he wanted to interview a roommate who was identified as Angelica Liliana Nigro
Guerrero but she only spoke Spanish. Detective Morris wanted me to translate his questions from English to Spanish.
We both then met with Angelica and explained who we were, who we worked for, and the reason we wanted to
interview was because we were looking for a juvenile female who on today`s date, was still missing. Angelica agreed to
speak with both of us.
Prior to speaking with us and answering any questions, Angelica raised her right hand and was placed under oath. The
questions that were asked to Angelica was in reference to her observations while she lived at this location, her
observations of a male that would frequent this location whose name is Stephan Sterns, and her observations between
both Stephan and the 13 year old juvenile female (Madeline Soto) who was residing at this location.
The questions that were asked by Detective Morris and the translation that I provided were recorded by Detective
Morris. Detective Morris has the recording and it will be submitted into evidence at a later date.
A written statement was not obtained at the time due to Angelica providing a sworn verbal statement and the fact that
we were still actively looking for Madeline Soto. . This case will remain under investigation and will be forwarded to
Detective Morris for further review.
This ended my involvement with this case.

Page 15

Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: DIEHL, E. (588) Date / Time: 03/14/2024 08:37:43, Thursday

Supervisor: BREUER, C. D. (598) Supervisor Review Date / Time: 03/14/2024 08:40:44, Thursday
On 2/27/2024 at 2102 hours, I Detective Corporal E. Diehl, was the on-call CID supervisor.
I received a call advising that Orange County Sheriff`s Detectives were requesting mutual aid at 4012 Santa Maria Ave
Apt 107 in reference to a missing 13-year-old girl, Madeline Soto. I had Detective Smallwood go to the scene to assist.
Detective Smallwood went to the scene and it was determined, based on the information at that time, the Orange County
Sheriff`s Office had jurisdiction and would keep the case.
After further investigation over the next 2 days, it was determined that the Kissimmee Police Department would take
over the investigation.
On 3/1/2024, I was tasked with going to Venetian Bay subdivision office to collect a copy of videos. When I arrived, I
made contact with staff who showed me to the security DVR. There was an error with download so all of the videos
were not downloaded. Due to the potential of losing the evidence, I spoke with management at Venetian Bay, Carlos
Cassidy. I advised Carlos of the issue with the download and he consented to me taking the DVR to Orange County
Sheriff`s Office to be downloaded. Carlos provided a sworn written statement advising such. I collected the DVR and
transported it to Orange County Sheriff`s Office where it was turned over to their forensic team for download.
On 3/4/2024, I was advised that the DVR download was completed. I retrieved the DVR from the Orange County
Sheriff`s Office. I then returned it to Venetian Bay office.
This is a supplement to the original and forwarded to the SAO for review.

Page 16

Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: ACEVEDO, E. (819) Date / Time: 03/14/2024 14:24:46, Thursday

Supervisor: ILLGEN, B. J. (650) Supervisor Review Date / Time: 03/14/2024 14:36:19, Thursday
On 02/26/2024, Orange County Sheriff`s Office began investigating a missing juvenile case that was reported within
their jurisdiction (OCSO report #24-011313). The child was identified as Madeline Soto (victim) who resided within
Kissimmee jurisdiction at 4012 Santa Maria Drive apt 107 with her mother (Jennifer Soto) and her live-in boyfriend
(Stephan Michael Sterns). Throughout the course of the investigation, the Kissimmee Police Department became
involved with the case.
On 02/28/2024, I, Detective E. Acevedo was instructed by my supervisor to go to the residence at 4012 Santa Maria
Drive apt 107, standby and have a visual on the location until further notice. Upon my arrival, I observed multiple
Orange County Deputy vehicles within the complex and Orange County Detectives who were leaving the location. I
was informed by OCSO Detectives of their investigation up to that point, I observed the location to be rope with crime
scene tape; and I was advised there was no one inside of the location.
At around 2330 hours, Jennifer Soto arrived at the location to retrieve medications for herself and other miscellaneous
items. Jennifer was in accompany with a male driver in a 2023 gray Lincoln SUV vehicle bearing Florida tag BX97EZ.
I only made contact with Jennifer outside of the residence who provided me a list of her medications and where there
were located within the home. I was the only person who entered the location to retrieve all of the items Jennifer
requested and she left the location shortly after with no further incident. At around midnight on 02/29/2024, I was relief
by officer Villegas.
On 03/04/2024, I was instructed by the lead detectives in the case to obtain footage from the victim`s school located at
13400 Town Loop Blvd Orlando, FL 32837 (Hunter`s Creek Middle School). The dates/ times indicated to me to obtain
from the location was for 02/26/2024 from 1400-1640 hours. I made contact with the School Resource Officer Deputy
Martin at the school. Deputy Martin was unable to view the date and time requested and provided me with a point of
contact (David Garver) and an email address. Deputy Martin was able to provide me with the specific camera angles
that were label in the system to make the request.
Through the course of communication via email, Kimberly Harrell, from the Orange County Public School District,
requested a subpoena for the footage which I obtained on 03/05/2024. I provided them with the subpoena along with the
business record certification and time verification form. I provided Kimberly links for the footage requested to go
directly into evidence.com. Kimberly advised me of some "corrupt video files" during the time frame requested, and
provided me a list with the timeframe and cameras that were corrupt. I provided this information to the lead detectives. I
did not review any of the footage obtained.
I obtained a signed business records certification and timestamp verification form which will be attached to this report
along with the subpoena. This is my involvement in the case.

Page 17

Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: VILLEGAS, B. A. (922) Date / Time: 03/15/2024 00:08:26, Friday

Supervisor: DIAZ, M. D. (597) Supervisor Review Date / Time: 03/15/2024 01:48:55, Friday
On 2/28/2024 at approximately 2330 hours, I, Officer Villegas responded to 4012 Santa Maria Dr Apt 107 in reference
to a report of a missing person.
While on scene, I provided scene security and ensured no one unauthorized entered the house, which held yellow police
tape around the entrance. Another officer relieved me at approximately 0100 hours.
This supplement will be forwarded to the State Attorney`s Office for further review.

Page 18

Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: VAZQUEZ, E. (945) Date / Time: 03/16/2024 03:25:04, Saturday

Supervisor: LEWIS, M. O. (839) Supervisor Review Date / Time: 03/16/2024 03:27:28, Saturday
On 02/26/2024, at approximately 2017 hours, I, Officer Vazquez ID 945 responded to 4012-107 Santa Maria Drive, in
reference to an attempt to locate Madeline Soto. Orange County Sheriffs Office wanted me to check the home of
Madeline to see if she had returned home. Upon my arrival, I spoke to the leaseholder and roommate of Madeline`s
mother, who advised that Madeline has yet to return home. Additionally she advised that Madeline`s relationship with
her mother was fine and would not know of any reason why she would run away. She advised that Madeline and her
daughter live downstairs and granted me permission to search the home. I did not observe any signs of a possible
struggle or any reasons to raise suspicions. Madeline`s belongings were still in her room including her cell phone,
which is uncommon for juvenile runaways. I was advised that Madeline is not one to run away. After completing the
search of the home I contacted Deputy Sheriff Mooney of the Orange County Sheriffs Office and advised them that
Madeline has not return home and the home did not appeared to be disheveled in any way.
This supplement will be forwarded to CID.
A portion of this incident was captured on department issued body camera and uploaded into evidence.com.

Page 19

Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: SHAFFER, A. R. (895) Date / Time: 03/16/2024 04:04:46, Saturday

Supervisor: LEWIS, M. O. (839) Supervisor Review Date / Time: 03/16/2024 04:17:40, Saturday
On 2/28/2024, at approximately 0338 hours, I, Officer A. Shaffer #895 responded to 4012-107 Santa Maria Drive,
Kissimmee, Florida in reference to a mutual aid.
Upon my arrival, Officer T. Clark advised that no one is to enter the residence. I remained on scene until Detective M.
Morris arrived on scene. I did not enter the home or speak with anyone on scene. No one entered the residence while I
was on scene.
This concludes my involvement in this case.
This supplement will be forwarded to CID.
No BWC for this incident.

Page 20

Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: ORTIZ, J. I. (534) Date / Time: 03/16/2024 21:37:23, Saturday

Supervisor: CLYDE, B. P. (344) Supervisor Review Date / Time: 03/17/2024 02:36:25, Sunday
On 02/26/2024, sometime after 2000 hours, I, Lt. J. Ortiz ID534, was made aware of an attempt to locate request
through Teletype, of a missing juvenile, last seen in Orange County jurisdiction. The juvenile`s home address is in the
city limits, at 4012 Santa Maria Dr. Apt 107. Event # 2402260405.
On the same night, sometime after 2300 hrs, I spoke to Lt. Campbell, watch commander from Orange County, who
asked if the missing juvenile`s family had made any notification in regards to her possibly returning home. He advised
they were still actively searching for her in his jurisdiction. He advised Orange County will need a scent article for the
blood hound and a deputy would be responding to the house to collect said article.
At this time, I had dispatch reactivate the previous attempt to locate call, and had Officer Clark respond to the residence
to secure the juvenile`s room for a scent article for Orange County. See Officer Clark`s mutual aid report for his
involvement, under case number 24001809.
Officer Clark later briefed me on his interaction with the family and I updated Lt. Campbell. Officer Clark was given
another family member`s address to which he responded and spoke to the residents, with negative contact with the
juvenile. This was documented in his report for mutual aid case number 24001809.
On 02/27/2024, sometime after 2000 hours, I was notified by the Orange County watch commander, Lt. Campbell, that
the juvenile had not been located yet and the media was responding to the residence in the city to interview the family. I
had an officer respond to the community for presence only. This was in case crowds began to gather around the
residence, and cause an issue for the gated community security personnel, residents, or Orange County investigators on
scene. Event number 2402270449.
I received a call from the Osceola watch commander a few hours later, advising me that Orange County Criminal
Investigations detectives requested mutual aid and was granted, and will be at the residence in the city limits. The
investigators would be conducting interviews and checking for surveillance on the case. I responded and met with Lt.
Denmark and his investigative unit, along with one of our KPD Detective Smallwood. After the meeting, I requested
dispatch to send a unit to watch the secured house, pending search warrants from Orange County. Event number
2402270477.
After coordinating scene security and clearing the scene, I provided Lt. Campbell with our mutual aid case number
documenting our assistance in the case. I had no further involvement in this case.

Page 21

Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: CASSELMAN, C. A. (853) Date / Time: 03/18/2024 09:44:43, Monday

On February 26, 2024 there was a multijurisdictional response to 4012 Santa Maria Drive, Apartment 107 in reference
to a missing juvenile that was later determined to be a homicide.
On February 29, 2024 at approximately 0600 hours, I, Detective Casselman (853) was assigned to stay at the above
referenced apartment as it was left unsecured after a search warrant was served. I was accompanied by Detective
Reyes-Soto during this time.
On February 29, 2024 at approximately 1030 hours, I was tasked with conducting additional canvasses of the
neighborhood for video footage or potential witnesses for this incident. During my canvass I attempted to make contact
with residents at 4012 Santa Maria Drive, Apartment 106, and Apartment 104 who both had video doorbells. No one
answered at these residences and a business card was left for them to contact the Kissimmee Police Department in
reference to any potential video footage.
I made contact with a resident at 4008 San Gallo Drive, Apartment 108 who was the registered owner of a 2023 Tesla
Model Y bearing Florida tag 24EBWJ that was equipped with a dash camera. The owner of the vehicle Nilson Nunez
De Silva Junior (07/24/1979) gave me consent to look through the stored footage on his Tesla and through his laptop for
stored video footage. The footage stored on the hard drive was from February 29, 2024 and the video stored prior to that
was from January of 2024. Nothing of evidentiary value was observed on the videos stored.
I made contact with residents at 2203 San Vittorino Circle, whose ring camera faced the intersection of San Gallo Drive
and San Vittorino Circle but they stated it was not subscribed to record.
I also made contact with residences at 2349 and 2353 Carriage Run Road after observing cameras located on the back of
the houses that faced Dyer Boulevard. Both houses were owned by the same family but no recorded events of value
were observed on the cameras at the time contact was made.
This concludes my involvement in this incident.
There is no body worn camera footage in regards to this supplement due to not having a unit assigned.

Page 22

Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: GUITONEZ, M. J. (627) Date / Time: 03/19/2024 00:58:22, Tuesday

Supervisor: GODIN KOEHLER, E. (746) Supervisor Review Date / Time: 03/19/2024 02:33:38, Tuesday
On 2/29/24 at approximately 0400 hours, I, Officer Guitonez, ID 627, responded to 4012-107 Santa Maria Dr in
reference to a follow up.
Upon arrival, I was advised I needed to hold the scene and not allow anyone enter or exit the residence or disturb the
crime scene tape. At approximately 0415 hours, I was relieved by Officer Irrizary ID 936.
This is the end of my involvement.
My Department issued Body Worn Camera was not utilized for this supplement.

Page 23

Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: RIVERA NAVARRO, C. (930) Date / Time: 03/20/2024 04:44:08, Wednesday

Supervisor: SMITH, P. C. (716) Supervisor Review Date / Time: 03/20/2024 04:46:46, Wednesday
On 2/29/2024 at approximately 0300 hours, I, Officer C. Rivera #930 responded to 4012-107 Santa Maria Drive in
reference to a Follow Up.
Upon arrival, I was advised I needed to hold the scene and not let anyone enter or exit the residence or disturb the crime
scene tape. At approximately 0400 hours I was relieved by Officer M. Guitonez #627.
This is the end of my involvement.
This supplement will be submitted to the State Attorney`s Office for review.
Body Worn Camera is not available for this supplement.

Page 24

Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: FERNANDEZ, J. (861) Date / Time: 03/22/2024 08:39:49, Friday

Supervisor: BREUER, C. D. (598) Supervisor Review Date / Time: 03/22/2024 11:48:45, Friday
On 02/29/2024, in the morning hours, I, Detective J. Fernandez ID# 861 was assigned to canvass Venetian Bay
Apartments for possible video surveillance that could have captured the suspect vehicle or the suspect within the
apartment complex. I was not able to locate any surveillance video that captured the suspect vehicle or suspect during
the timeframe of the incident.
On 02/29/2024, at approximately 1400 hours, I stood by and guarded the incident location (4012 Santa Maria Drive Apt
107) until approximately 1700 hours while the search warrant was being executed.
On 03/01/2024, Detective Crook and I canvassed the apartment complex attempting to speak to residents who knew the
juvenile or have interacted with the juvenile in the past. We spoke to multiple neighbors, but most did not recall
speaking to the juvenile in the past. The residents at 4014 Santa Maria Drive Apt 101 advised that they saw the male
suspect on 02/25/2024 walk to his car, but did not appear suspicious. When they found out the suspect took her to
school on 02/26/2024 they questioned it due to the mother always taking the daughter to school. They did not see the
juvenile or suspect on the date of the disappearance.
On 03/04/2024, at approximately 0930 hours, I went to 6990 E Irlo Bronson Pkwy (Seven Eleven) in Saint Cloud in
reference to a tip advising that an employee possibly observed the suspect on 02/26/2024. I spoke to the employee,
Brittany Destefano, who provided me with a verbal statement summarized to the following: On 02/26/2024, unknown
what time, Brittany was assisting at the cash register when she observed a subject wearing a white T-shirt paying for
$20 of gas. The subject then left the business. Later on in the week, she observed the news and saw that a suspect was
arrested in reference to the juveniles disappearance and noticed that the suspect arrested was the subject that was in the
business buying gas. Brittany was not able to provide much detail about the suspect, time the suspect was inside the
business, or what type of vehicle the suspect was driving due to how busy the business was.
The interview was audio recorded and uploaded to Evidence.com.
Brittany and I went through the surveillance video from that date, but were unable to locate the suspect on surveillance
video. Brittany printed out the transactions for 02/26/2024 and 02/27/2024, but she was unable to locate the transaction.
On 03/05/2024, I obtained a portion of the surveillance video from 02/26/2024, which was also uploaded to
Evidence.com.
This was my only involvement in this case.

Page 25

Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: ILLGEN, B. J. (650) Date / Time: 04/01/2024 14:00:54, Monday

Supervisor: PEREZ, M. (512) Supervisor Review Date / Time: 04/08/2024 08:54:14, Monday
On February 27, 2024, the Kissimmee Police Department was asked to assist the Orange County Sheriff`s Office with
executing a search warrant at 4012 Santa Maria Drive, Apartment 107, in reference to a missing person`s case they were
actively working.
I, Detective Corporal B. Illgen ID 650 responded to the scene to assist detectives. This address is where the victim, her
mother, and person of interest in victim`s disappearance, Stephan Sterns live. Orange County Detectives stated Stephan
provided them with his cellphone and authorized them to download the contents. When Orange County Detectives
download the contents they saw that Stephan factory reset his device, however his google drive re-synced with his
phone and detectives discovered several hundreds of images and videos, which depicted Stephan Sterns conducting
unlawful sexual activity with an apparent child. At that point, detectives obtained a search warrant for Stephan`s Google
account and were able to obtain even more images and photos of said unlawful sexual activity. An arrest warrant was
later obtained by the
Kissimmee Police Department, for Stephan Sterns, charging him with Capital Sexual Battery and Possession of Child
Pornography.
While Orange County detectives were on scene, video surveillance was obtained which was located in the entrance and
dumpster area of the apartment complex showed Stephan driving his vehicle with victim slouched over in the front
passenger seat after the period of him stating he dropped victim off at school. Video also showed Stephan discarding
several items into the dumpster. Having this information, 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.
At this time of the investigation, I was tasked with responding to the Orange County Sheriffs Office to assist in the
command post. While at the command post, Detective Morris and I were informed Stephan and Jennifer were at the
Sheriff`s Office to partake in a news conference. Detectives drafted up an arrest warrant for Stephan in reference to the
contents of his phone, which was signed by a judge. In the meantime, Detective Morris and I interviewed Jennifer and
then interviewed Stephan. During the interview with Stephan, he eventually asked to retain a lawyer and refused any
further questioning. For more information regarding the interviews see Detective Morris`s report.
After Orange County Crime scene technicians cleared the apartment, Kissimmee Crime Scene Technicians conducted a
secondary search and submitted the following electronics belonging to Stephan Sterns into evidence:
Black HP Pavilion DV4 Laptop S/N: CND01501XB
Black WD Easy Store Hard Drive S/N: WX31A792CUSF
Crime Scene Technicians also submitted the following belonging to Jennifer Soto:
Silver Apple Laptop S/N: C17G2H3YQ6L4

Page 26

Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: ILLGEN, B. J. (650) Date / Time: 04/01/2024 14:00:54, Monday

I completed a search warrant on the items and transferred them to Detective G. Torres to be downloaded. All
downloaded content was transferred to Detective M. Morris.
During the course of the investigation, the victim was discovered deceased in a rural area of St. Cloud, in Osceola
County. At the time, Steven Sterns was the last person observed with the victim and was seen by a passerby, changing
his tire, in close proximity of where victim`s body was discarded. I responded to St. Cloud along with Detective Morris
and stood by as Osceola County Sheriff`s Office and the Medical Examiners Office conducted their investigation.
After Stephan was arrested, Stephan`s father, who resides in North Port Florida, contacted the North Port Police
Department in reference to him wanting to hand over one of Stephan`s old computer towers he found while cleaning out
Stephan`s old room. Stephan`s father was in fear that the computer tower may potentially have more videos and photos
of unlawful sexual activity with minors on it. North Port Police Department submitted the Cyber Power PC Tower into
their evidence, which was later transferred over to the Kissimmee Police Department. I completed a search warrant on
the tower, which was signed and revealed no hard drive inside the tower.
This concludes my involvement in this case. This supplement will be forwarded to the State Attorney`s Office for
further review.

Page 27

Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: CABRAL, C. J. (743) Date / Time: 04/02/2024 14:25:11, Tuesday

Supervisor: POPP, C. C. (637) Supervisor Review Date / Time: 04/03/2024 14:01:32, Wednesday
Contact: Reference: Investigative Narrative
On March 28, 2024, I, Detective Cabral #743, was contacted by Major Crimes Detective`s Morris and Detective
Corporal Illgen in regard to a homicide case.
I was provided two vehicle license plates for vehicles that were suspected to be involved in the case on March 26, 2024
and March 27, 2024. IYLL82 on a silver Lincoln and NVJS91 on a white Nissan both Florida plates. I ran both vehicles
through our Vigilant License Plate Reader (LPR) Query and received several hits.
Utilizing the LPR hits as a point of reference, I began to generate a driving profile for the above listed vehicles. Later,
when provided with video surveillance from the Venetian Bay Apartment complex, the starting and ending point of the
vehicles travel, those dates and times were added into the profile. I also provided these profiles to Investigative Analyst
Monica Winstead of the Orange County Sheriff`s Office, for use in timeline construction with Orange County`s own
video resources.
The chronological profile for the silver Lincoln bearing Florida which I observed through a combination of apartment
complex cameras, traffic cameras, and LPR cameras is as follows:
On March 26, 2024 at 0735 hours, a silver Lincoln MKZ with the tag IYLL82 is observed on the workshop camera of
the complex. A male exits the vehicle and throws something into the complex dumpster, the male is wearing a red shirt
and tan pants. At 0740 hours, the vehicle leaves through east gate of the complex. At 1014 hours, a silver Lincoln MKZ,
enters the complex through the east gate of the complex, the driver appears similar to the male seen earlier at the
dumpster.
At 1054 hours, the silver Lincoln MKZ with tag IYLL82 again parks by the workshop near the complex dumpster. The
male exits the vehicle, now wearing a blue shirt, and again throws something into the complex dumpster.
At 1103 hours, a silver Lincoln MKZ is observed passing the intersection of San Sebastian and San Vital, within the
complex. The vehicle then exits the complex through the main gate. At 1156 hours, a silver Lincoln MKZ enters
through the rear gate of the complex with a male driver consistent with the driver on previous recordings.
At 1244 hours, the silver Lincoln MKZ again exits the rear gate of the complex, as I had a later LPR hit in the St. Cloud
area, I tracked the vehicle through each intersection I had available traffic cameras. As these cameras are overhead
views, I utilized marker vehicles (other vehicles following the same path) and the time frame of the vehicle passing each
intersection to locate the vehicle at each new location. The approximate times, and locations of the corresponding
intersection crossings are as follows:
1249:16: Dyer Boulevard / West Vine Street

1250:34: North Emory Avenue / West Vine Street
1253:49: North John Young Parkway / West Vine Street
1259:20: Fortune Road / East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
1300:35: Bill Beck Boulevard / East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway

Page 28

Offense: HOMICIDE

1306:53: LPR tag hit for IYLL82 at St. Cloud Commons located near Simmons Road / E Irlo Bronson Memorial
Highway
1308:00 Sergeant Graham Drive / 13th Street
1308:35: Old Canoe Creek / 13th Street
1309:06: Neptune Road / 13th Street
1310:56: Budinger Avenue / 13th Street
1313:13: Vermont Avenue / 13th Street
1314:02: New York Avenue / 13th Street
1314:55: Michigan Avenue / 13th Street
1315:30: Delaware Avenue / 13th Street
1315:40: Mississippi Avenue / 13th Street
I could not locate the vehicle continuing to travel along this eastbound path at future intersections so I checked for
surrounding cameras to where the vehicle was last observed.
I located a similar size, style and color vehicle pass Creative Inspirations (2030 Old Hickory Tree Dr, St. Cloud) camera
facing Old Hickory Tree Drive, just south of 13th Street. The vehicle passed the location at 1316:58 which would
correlate with the last intersection passed and the time frame. I did not have access to any cameras further along this
path of travel.
Watching forward I located the vehicle return northbound on Old Hickory Tree Drive and turn west onto 13th Street in
an apparent return path at 1411:30 hours. The vehicle now had a spare tire on the rear driver`s side.

1418:52: Old Canoe Creek Road / 13th Street
1419:15: Sergeant Graham Drive / 13th Street
1423:36: LPR Academy Drive / East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
1426:06: Simpson Road / East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
1429:22: Fortune Road / East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
1437:56: John Young Parkway / West Vine Street
1438:39: Emory Avenue / West Vine Street
The vehicle is then observed returning through the rear gate of the Venetian Bay Apartment Complex at 1443:33 hours.
At 1524 hours, the Lincoln MKZ returns to the workshop area where the same male again throws some

Page 29

Offense: HOMICIDE

items into the dumpster. He leaves then immediately returns at 1528 hours with more items to throw away. He returns
again at 1636, hours to again throw items into the dumpster.
Similarly, I developed a vehicle movement profile for the white Nissan with the license plate NVJS91. I also reviewed
the apartment complex camera footage for travel times.
Based on an LPR hit on the Nissan on 02/27/24, also at St. Cloud Commons and another on Academy Drive, the same
path the Lincoln took, I again followed the route of the vehicle using indicators on the trim package of the car, the travel
times and marker vehicles. At 0316:15 hours, the white Nissan exits the complex utilizing the main gate. The vehicle
follows the same path the Lincoln followed the previous day, with the exception of utilizing the front gate of the
complex.
0318:05: Hoagland Boulevard / West Vine Street

0324:57 Bill Beck Boulevard / East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
0325:50 Simpson Road / East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
0327:20 LPR Pecan Street / East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway
0329:01 LPR St. Cloud Commons (Simmons Road) / 13th Street
0329:50: Sergeant Graham Drive / 13th Street
0330:27: Old Canoe Creek / 13th Street
0331:45: Budinger Avenue/ 13th Street
0332:29: Vermont Avenue / 13th Street
0335:39: 2030 Old Hickory Tree Rd, St Cloud
I then watched for the vehicle return path at the Old Hickory Tree / 13th Street intersection.
0409:45: Old Hickory Tree Rd / 13th Street

0411:53: Rekor LPR New York Avenue / 13th Street
0414:35: Old Canoe Creek Road / 13th Street

Page 30

Offense: HOMICIDE

0417:54: LPR Academy Drive / East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway

0429:10: Hoagland Boulevard / West Vine Street
0430:07: Vehicle returns through the front gate of the Venetian Bay Apartment complex and continues north passed the
intersection of San Sebastian and San Vital.
I provided this data to Detective Morris and Detective Corporal Illgen for use in the investigation. The traffic camera
video was made available through access provided by the City of St. Cloud and may be uploaded at a later date.
This supplemental report will be forwarded to the State Attorney`s Office.

Page 31

Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: CASTELLUCCI, E. M. (564) Date / Time: 04/03/2024 14:30:09, Wednesday

Supervisor: PEREZ, M. (512) Supervisor Review Date / Time: 04/03/2024 14:43:18, Wednesday
On 2/27/2024, I, Lieutenant Erika Castellucci, was notified by Corporal Diehl that Orange County requested mutual aid
from our agency to serve a search warrant on 4012 Santa Maria Ave Apt 107 in reference to a missing juvenile,
Madeline Soto. The mutual aid was granted through another watch commander. I requested one of our detectives go to
the scene as well in case they needed more assistance. Detective Smallwood responded.
On 2/28/2024, Orange County detectives found evidence of numerous sexual battery violations had occurred Sexual Offense
Sexual Offense Identity which is Kissimmee Police Department`s jurisdiction and our agency began to investigate. I
reviewed the arrest warrants for Stephan Sterns on 2/28/2024 and 2/29/2024. I also organized 24-hour coverage on the
Santa Maria apartment until we could complete the search warrant to ensure the integrity of the scene.
On 2/29/2024, more evidence was discovered to show the homicide was committed in our jurisdiction and KPD adopted
the case from Orange County. From this point forward, I reviewed all search warrants authored by Kissimmee
Detectives. As the Lieutenant I oversaw the investigation and made assignments for tasks to be completed. I did not
have any direct contact with any of the suspects or witnesses in this case.
On 3/1/2024, around 1730 hours, I was notified a body likely being Madeline was located in the area of St. Cloud. I
responded to the scene and was briefed by Detective Morris. Osceola County Forensics processed the scene. We
waited for the Medical Examiner`s Investigator to arrive before entering the scene. I visually inspected the area and the
body once it was moved. I left the scene after we visually confirmed her identification and the ME took possession of
the body.

Page 32

Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: NARANJO, J. A. (667) Date / Time: 04/04/2024 02:03:07, Thursday

Supervisor: ORTIZ, J. I. (534) Supervisor Review Date / Time: 04/04/2024 02:57:23, Thursday
On 02/27/2024, I, Sgt. Naranjo was a Sergeant on duty for the Patrol Division for the Kissimmee Police Department.
On my tour of duty, I was made aware of a missing child case, which Orange County Sheriff`s Office was conducting
an investigation on, and Kissimmee Police Department was assisting with. I was notified by Lt. Ortiz that there would
be media presence at the location of the missing person`s residence. I was on scene and provided police presence at
location until the media left the scene. This incident was documented via KPD Event 2402270449.

Page 33

Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: PINNELL, M. K. (633) Date / Time: 04/15/2024 12:26:36, Monday

On 02/26/2024 at approximately 2000 hours, Madeline Soto (13 years old), was reported missing by her mother to the
Orange County Sheriff`s Office.
On the morning of 02/28/2024, the Orange County Sheriff`s Office executed a search warrant on 4012 Santa Maria
Drive (Jennifer and Stephan`s residence). I stood by outside of the residence for a duration of the search warrant while
Orange County Sheriff`s Office Detectives executed the warrant. I have no knowledge of anything that was collected or
obtained from the search warrant. I eventually cleared that location to assist Detective Acevedo in reference to an
unrelated case.
Later that day, on 02/28/2024, I was advised by Detective Morris that they were heading to the east side of Saint Cloud
Fl, to check areas Stephan was observed on video traveling the day of the disappearance. I then responded to Saint
Cloud to assist with checking areas. I was told that Stephan was observed traveling east on 192 and then eventually
making a right turn onto Old Hickory Tree Road where he continued southbound. At that time, I had no other
information.
The following areas are where I looked in Saint Cloud for Madeline Soto: I began to drive southbound on Old Hickory
Tree Road. I got out on foot in the wooded area of 2175 Old Hickory Tree Road (Cemex), and checked that area and
was met with negative results. I continued to drive southbound slowly visually checking what wooded areas there were
for any signs of disturbance or anything suspicious. I got out on foot and checked around 2361 Old Hickory Tree Road
(Hickory Tree Community Park) and was met with negative results. I continued southbound until I reached Nolte Road.
I then continued to drive westbound on Nolte Road visually checking the area for any signs of disturbance or anything
suspicious. I drove to Nolte Road and Michigan Avenue and made a U-turn where I continued to drive eastbound on
Nolte Road. I then observed a wooded area on the north west corner of Nolte Road and Clark Road. I got out on foot
and checked the areas I could walk through and was met with negative results.
I made a phone call to Detective Cabral enquiring about LPR`s at the intersection of Nolte Road and Hickory Tree
Road, I was advised that he did not see any at that intersection. With that information, I continued my search by driving
down Hickory Tree Road. I checked down Story Road, Albritton Road, Lake Gentry Road, Lakeview Acres Road, and
Chaplain Road where I was met with negative results. I then continued to drive down Hickory Tree Road towards East
Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway. I stopped and got out in a couple different areas during that route and was met with
negative results. I then concluded my search and responded back to the Kissimmee Police Department. This concluded
my involvement with this case.
This supplemental report will be sent to the State Attorney`s Office for further review.

Page 34

Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: JOHNSON, I. D. (500) Date / Time: 04/19/2024 13:02:40, Friday

Supervisor: SUCCI, C. P. (426) Supervisor Review Date / Time: 05/09/2024 11:23:37, Thursday
INCIDENT TYPE: Homicide CASE NUMBER: 24-001896

CONNECTED INCIDENT TYPE: Sexual Battery CASE NUMBER: 24-001809
ORI NUMBER: FL0490200 REPORTING DATE: 02/26/2024
DAY ONE: Tuesday, March 5, 2024

LOCATION 1: Osceola County Sheriff`s Office - Evidence Unit - Case number 24I023174
2601 East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, Florida 34744
LOCATION 1: TIME ARRIVED: 1130 hrs. TIME CLEARED: 1200 hrs.
DAY TWO: Thursday, March 7, 2024

LOCATION 2: Orange County Sheriff`s Office - Forensics Unit - Case number 24-011313
2500 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, Florida 32804
DAY THREE: Friday, March 8, 2024

LOCATION 3: Orange County/District Nine Medical Examiner`s Office - Case number ME24-00403
2350 East Michigan Street, Orlando, Florida 32806
DAY FOUR: Friday, March 15, 2024

LOCATION 4: Osceola County Corrections Department
402 Simpson Road, Kissimmee, Florida 34744
DETECTIVE: Morris, Mark ID: 515

TECHNICIAN: Johnson, Isabel ID: 500
VICTIM: Soto, Madeline R/S: W/F DOB: 02/22/2011

OFFENDER: Sterns, Stephan Michael R/S: W/M DOB: 04/25/1986
INVOLVED: Soto, Jennifer Lissette R/S: W/F DOB: 03/02/1988
VEHICLE 1: YEAR: 2010 TAG: FL / IYLL82

MAKE: Lincoln VIN: 3LNHL2GC0AR612086
MODEL: MKZ COLOR: Silver
VEHICLE 2: YEAR: 2022 TAG: FL / NVJS91

MAKE: Nissan VIN: 3N1AB8CV0NY269121
MODEL: Sentra/ 4-DR. COLOR: White
PHOTOGRAPHS: ?Yes ?No

Page 35

Offense: HOMICIDE

Total number of photographs provided: 198 of crime scene

Total number of photographs taken: 73 photos
LATENTS: ?Yes ?No
Total number of latent cards provided: 37
EVIDENCE: ?Yes ?No
Total provided/collected and submitted: 152
SYNOPSIS:
On Monday, February 26, 2024, the above listed victim, juvenile Madeline Soto, was reported missing through the
Orange County Sheriff`s Office (Orange County case number 24-011313). On that date, officers of the Kissimmee
Police Department responded to the victim`s residence located at 4012 Santa Maria Drive, Kissimmee, Florida 34741,
in an attempt to contact the family to see if the victim had returned. She had not. On February 27, 28 and 29, 2024,
officers and detectives of the Kissimmee Police Department returned to the residence and met with detectives from the
Orange County Sheriff`s Office who responded to conduct their investigation. Search warrants for the residence were
executed and numerous items of evidence were collected by deputies and crime scene investigators from the Orange
County Sheriff`s Office and the Kissimmee Police Department. During the investigation, potential evidence pertaining
to a possible sexual battery was discovered. A Kissimmee Police Department sexual battery investigation was started
and catalogued under case number 24-001809. The offender listed above, Stephan Michael Sterns, was arrested on
charges submitted under KPD case number 24-001809.
During this investigation, intelligence was gathered and searches were conducted to find the victim, who was still
missing. On Friday, March 1, 2024, the victim was found deceased in an area designated as being under the jurisdiction
of the Osceola County Sheriff`s Office. Detectives and forensics investigators from the Osceola County Sheriff`s Office
responded to the scene, which was documented and processed under Osceola County Sheriff`s Office case number
24I023174.
On Saturday, March 2, 2024, an autopsy of the victim was conducted at the District Nine Medical Examiner`s Office
located in Orlando. Items of evidence were collected and stored for transfer to the Kissimmee Police Department`s
evidence unit under their case number ME24-00403.
On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at approximately 1115 hours, I responded to the Osceola County Sheriff`s Office for the
collection of all evidence submitted under their case number listed above. I cleared the scene at approximately 1200
hours.
On Thursday, March 7, 2024, at approximately 1345 hours, I responded to the Orange County Sheriff`s Office forensics
unit for the collection of all evidence submitted under their case number listed above. I cleared the scene at
approximately 1515 hours.
On Friday, March 8, 2024, at approximately 1400 hours, I responded to the Medical Examiner`s Office for the

Page 36

Offense: HOMICIDE

collection of all evidence submitted under their case number listed above. I cleared the scene at approximately 1500
hours.
On Friday, March 15, 2024, at approximately 0915 hours, I traveled to the Osceola County Correctional Facility in
Kissimmee for the execution of a warrant for the collection of major case prints and photographs of suspect, Stephan
Michael Sterns. Upon my arrival, I met with Detectives Mark Morris and Elizabeth Acevedo, who executed the warrant
in a holding room located inside the correctional facility. Major case prints and photographs were collected and
submitted into evidence. I cleared the scene at approximately 1020 hours.
DAY ONE: TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2024: OSCEOLA COUNTY SHERIFF`S OFFICE EVIDENCE UNIT:
On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, I traveled to the Osceola County Sheriff`s Office Evidence Unit and collected the
following items of evidence collected from the scene where the victim was discovered deceased, located at 5670
Hickory Tree Road in Saint Cloud.
The following physical evidence originally collected by staff of the Osceola County Forensics Unit under their case
number 24I023174 was retrieved and submitted to the Kissimmee Police Department Evidence Unit:
KPD PR# Osceola County Barcode # Description

164083 1138858 Tire fragment from Marker 1 collected by Jennifer Soto
164084 1138879 Tire fragment from Marker 2 collected by Jennifer Soto
164085 -- Disc with 198 Scene photos - 5670 Hickory Tree Road collected by Jennifer Soto
164086 1138886 USB Faro scans collected by H. Nguyen
164087 1138887 Major Case Prints of Madeline Soto collected by Hien Nguyen
DAY TWO: THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2024: ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF`S OFFICE FORENSICS UNIT:
On Thursday, March 7, 2024, I traveled to the Orange County Sheriff`s Office Forensics Unit and collected the
following items of evidence collected from several vehicles and various locations.
EVIDENCE FROM LINCOLN MKZ:
The following physical evidence originally collected from the Lincoln MKZ (Vehicle 1) at 2500 West Colonial Drive,
Orlando, by Hannah Miner of the Orange County Forensics Unit on February 28, 2024, under their case number
24-011313, was retrieved and submitted to the Kissimmee Police Department Evidence Unit:
KPD PR# Orange County Barcode # Description

164139 24EV11568 Swabs from front driver door compartment
164140 24EV11541 Swabs from front passenger door compartment
164141 24EV11557 Swabs from rear driver door compartment

Page 37

Offense: HOMICIDE

164142 24EV11567 Swabs from rear passenger door compartment

164143 24EV11545 Swabs of center console
164144 24EV11549 Swabs of steering wheel and shifter
164145 24EV11566 (6) trace vacuum filters
164146 24EV11559 One Hornady 9mm Luger+P unspent round from glove box
164147 24EV11546 (5) blue latex gloves from bottom compartment of center console
164148 24EV11565 (2) knit gloves from bottom compartment of center console
164149 24EV11543 Pocket knife from top compartment of center console
164150 24EV11570 Napkins from front passenger floor
164151 24EV11552 Nail file kit from top compartment of center console
164152 24EV11569 (6) blue latex gloves from front passenger door
164153 24EV11542 Rag from front passenger floor
164154 24EV11563 Towel from rear passenger floor
164155 24EV11547 Black jacket from rear passenger floor
164156 24EV11548 (1) Blue latex glove from rear passenger floor
164157 24EV11151 Napkins from rear passenger door
164158 24EV11564 Tan blanket with white stains across backseat
164159 24EV11562 Tire from trunk
164160 24EV11558 Lincoln emblem from trunk
164161 24EV11554 Lincoln emblem from glovebox
164162 24EV11544 White rope from trunk
164163 24EV11556 Black netting from trunk
164164 24EV11560 White towel from trunk
164165 24EV11553 Red hoodie from trunk
164166 24EV11550 Blue puffer jacket from trunk
164167 24EV11561 Black trash bag from trunk
164168 24EV11611 (1) blue latex glove between front passenger seat and center console
164169 24EV11612 Napkins between front driver seat and center console
164171 24EV11555 Napkins from front passenger seat
LATENT PRINT EVIDENCE FROM LINCOLN MKZ:

164170 24EV11610 (7) latent lift cards
The following physical evidence originally collected from the Lincoln MKZ (Vehicle 1) at 1551 College park Business
Center, Orlando, by Deputy Christine Marcus of the Orange County Sheriff`s Office on February 29, 2024, under their
case number 24-011313, was retrieved and submitted to the Kissimmee Police Department Evidence Unit:

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Offense: HOMICIDE


164321 24EV11861 (1) black dog seatbelt leash from front passenger seat
164322 24EV11860 (1) purple dog seatbelt leash from rear driver seat
EVIDENCE FROM NISSAN SENTRA:
The following physical evidence originally collected from the Nissan Sentra (Vehicle 2) at 2500 West Colonial Drive,
Orlando, by Shea Janiak of the Orange County Forensics Unit on February 29, 2024, under their case number

164251 24EV11949 (1) pillow case
164252 24EV11950 Trunk mat
164253 24EV11951 (1) trace filter from front driver seat and floor
164254 24EV11952 (1) trace filter rear driver seat and floor
164255 24EV11953 (1) trace filter from trunk
164256 24EV11954 (1) trace filter from front passenger seat and floor
164257 24EV11956 Two swabs from front passenger arm rest, handle and buttons
164258 24EV11955 Hair from underneath front passenger seat
164259 24EV11957 Two swabs from front driver arm rest, handle and buttons
164260 24EV11958 (1) trace filter from rear middle seat and floor
164261 24EV11959 Two swabs steering wheel and shifter
164262 24EV11960 Two swabs of stain from interior front driver door jamb
164263 24EV11961 (1) trace filter from rear passenger seat and floor
164264 24EV11962 Two swabs from rear driver armrest, handle and buttons
164265 24EV11963 Two swabs of rear passenger armrest, handle and buttons
164266 24EV12012 Pocket knife
LATENT PRINT EVIDENCE FROM NISSAN SENTRA:

164267 24EV13041 (30) latent lift cards
EVIDENCE FROM RESIDENCE AT 4012 SANTA MARIA DR., KISSIMMEE:
The following physical evidence originally collected from the residence located at 4012 Santa Maria Drive, Kissimmee,
by Shea Janiak of the Orange County Forensics Unit on February 28 and February 29, 2024, under their case number
Items from bedroom #4:

Page 39

Offense: HOMICIDE


164305 24EV11805 1 holster from bedroom #4
164306 24EV11806 (13) 9mm live rounds from pistol from bedroom #4
164211 24EV11793 (1) white flat sheet from closet in bedroom 4
164212 24EV11808 (1) white flat sheet from bed in bedroom #4
164213 24EV11803 (1) white pillow case collected from bed in bedroom #4
164214 24EV11792 (1) white fitted sheet from bed in bedroom #4
164339 24EV11788 (1) pair of black boots from bedroom #4
164294 24EV11799 (1) red shirt from bedroom #4
164362 24EV11779 (1) orange bottle of masturbation cream from bedroom #4
164363 24EV11780 (1) Sig Sauer P365 9mm pistol (Serial Number 66B581278) with magazine from bedroom #4
ITEMS FROM REMAINDER OF RESIDENCE:

164304 24EV11804 (1) white and brown blanket from bedroom area of living room
164307 24EV11807 (1) pink strawberry snuggle from bedroom area of living room
164308 24EV11809 (1) white and purple flat sheet from bedroom area of living room
164309 24EV11810 (1) fitted cat sheet from closet of downstairs bedroom
164310 24EV11811 (1) charcoal gray blanket from downstairs bedroom area of living room
164311 24EV11812 (1) pink dinosaur blanket from bedroom area of living room
164312 24EV11813 (1) pair of blue underwear from bedroom area of living room
164337 24EV11786 (1) pair of black underwear from bedroom area of living room
164338 24EV11787 (1) HP desktop tower from bedroom area of living room
Serial number: CNV82005JG
164340 24EV11789 (1) gray comforter from downstairs bedroom
164341 24EV11790 (1) magazine with (12) 9mm live rounds from bag on table of bedroom #4
164342 24EV11791 (1) gray blanket from downstairs bedroom
164343 24EV11794 (1) comforter from bedroom #3
164290 24EV11795 (3) prescription medications belonging to Madeline Soto from downstairs bedroom
164291 24EV11796 (1) white mattress protector from bedroom area of living room
164292 24EV11797 (1) flat cat sheet from closet in downstairs bedroom
164293 24EV11798 (1) pair of black shorts from bedroom area of living room
164295 24EV11800 (1) composition notebook from bedroom area of living room
164296 24EV11801 (1) pair of boxers from bedroom area of living room
164297 24EV11802 (1) phone tripod from bedroom area of living room
164364 24EV11781 (1) purple comforter from bedroom area of living room
164365 24EV11782 (1) white flat sheet from downstairs bedroom

Page 40

Offense: HOMICIDE

164366 24EV11783 (1) white fitted sheet from downstairs bedroom

164367 24EV11784 (1) gray shirt from bedroom area of living room
164368 24EV11785 (1) white and purple fitted sheet from bedroom area of living room
The following physical evidence originally collected from the residence located at 4012 Santa Maria Drive, Kissimmee,
by Deputies Franky Joseph, Francis Hunt and Luis Acosta, of the Orange County Sheriff`s Office on February 27 and
28, 2024, under their case number 24-011313, was retrieved and submitted to the Kissimmee Police Department
Evidence Unit:

164359 24EV11371 (1) female black short with white stripe by Deputy F. Joseph
164360 24EV11372 (1) pink female under garment by Deputy F. Joseph
164313 24EV11261 Purple Apple iPhone 12 in clear case with cherry design by Deputy F. Hunt - believed to be
Madeline Soto`s` phone
164314 24EV11368 Black Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra with IMEI:355149491977639 by Deputy L. Acosta -
believed to be Stephan Sterns` phone
The following physical evidence originally collected from the exterior and interior of 4012 Santa Maria Drive,
Kissimmee, by Deputy Kenneth Dale of the Orange County Sheriff`s Office on February 28, 2024, under their case
number 24-011313, was retrieved and submitted to the Kissimmee Police Department Evidence Unit:

164361 24EV11597 (2) blue gloves collected from the wooded area across from the building located at 4012 Santa
Maria Drive, Kissimmee
164320 24EV11596 Left Croc slipper size 5-7 collected from inside the residence at 4012 Santa Maria Drive
EVIDENCE FROM SUSPECT STEPHAN MICHAEL STERNS:
The following physical evidence originally collected at 2500 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, from the suspect Stephan
Michael Sterns, by Deputies Ivory Smith and Kevin O`Malley of the Orange County Forensics Unit on February 28 and
February 29, 2024, under their case number 24-011313, was retrieved and submitted to the Kissimmee Police
Department Evidence Unit:

164215 24EV11645 Buccals from Stephan Sterns by Deputy I. Smith
164216 24EV11648 Swabs of left hand of Stephan Sterns by Deputy I. Smith
164217 24EV11649 Swabs of right hand of Stephan Sterns by Deputy I. Smith
164218 24EV11647 Penile swabs of Stephan Sterns by Deputy I. Smith
164351 24EV11639 Black hat from Stephan Sterns by Deputy I. Smith
164352 24EV11640 Black watch from Stephan Sterns by Deputy I. Smith

Page 41

Offense: HOMICIDE

164353 24EV11641 Blue shirt from Stephan Sterns by Deputy I. Smith

164354 24EV11642 Blue underwear from Stephan Sterns by Deputy I. Smith
164355 24EV11643 Brown belt from Stephan Sterns by Deputy I. Smith
164356 24EV11644 Brown sandals form Stephan Sterns by Deputy I. Smith
164357 24EV11646 Khaki pants from Stephan Sterns by Deputy I. Smith
164358 24EV11650 Zip up jacket from Stephan Sterns by Deputy I. Smith
164315 24EV11613 Dark blue Apple iPhone 12 mini in blue case (Serial number H9NKN02B0GR9) by Deputy K.
O`Malley
EVIDENCE FROM 2175 OLD HICKORY TREE ROAD, SAINT CLOUD:
The following physical evidence originally collected at 2175 Old Hickory Tree Road, Saint Cloud, by Deputy Christine
Marcus of the Orange County Sheriff`s Office on February 29, 2024, under their case number 24-011313, was retrieved
and submitted to the Kissimmee Police Department Evidence Unit:

164303 24EV11858 Rubber portion of tire
EVIDENCE FROM ISLAMORADA DR. AND TARRAGONA DR., ORLANDO:
The following physical evidence originally collected in a field northwest of the intersection of Islamorada Drive and
Tarragona Drive, Orlando, by Deputy Rouben Joseph of the Orange County Sheriff`s Office on February 28, 2024,
under their case number 24-011313, was retrieved and submitted to the Kissimmee Police Department Evidence Unit:

164344 24EV11598 (1) white t-shirt
EVIDENCE FROM GATEWAY AVE. AND GIFFORD BLVD., ORLANDO:
The following physical evidence originally collected from the area of Gateway Avenue and Gifford Boulevard,
Orlando, by Deputy Charles Weaver of the Orange County Sheriff`s Office on February 29, 2024, under their case
number 24-011313, was retrieved and submitted to the Kissimmee Police Department Evidence Unit:

164344 24EV11899 Gray graphic tank top "infinite"
EVIDENCE FROM HUNTER`S CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL:
The following physical evidence originally collected from Hunter`s Creek Middle School, located at 13400 Town

Page 42

Offense: HOMICIDE

Loop Boulevard, Orlando, by Deputy Maria Tagler of the Orange County Sheriff`s Office on March 5, 2024, under their
case number 24-011313, was retrieved and submitted to the Kissimmee Police Department Evidence Unit:

164348 24EV12826 Madeline Soto`s Math Book
164349 24EV12827 Madeline Soto`s Math Book 2
EVIDENCE FROM THE REAR OF HUNTER`S CREEK MIDDLE SCHOOL:
The following physical evidence originally collected from the rear of Hunter`s Creek Middle School, located at 13400
Town Loop Boulevard, Orlando, by Deputy Francis Hunt of the Orange County Sheriff`s Office on March 1, 2024,
under their case number 24-011313, was retrieved and submitted to the Kissimmee Police Department Evidence Unit:

164346 24EV12100 Black wallet with a chain that spells "Natalia" containing U.S. currency, miscellaneous cards
with the names Simone M. Prado, Cassiano Mosele and Ken Mosele
EVIDENCE FROM 9271 SOUTH JOHN YOUNG PARKWAY, ORLANDO:
The following physical evidence originally collected from 9271 South John Young Parkway, Orlando, by Deputy
Leonard Jones of the Orange County Sheriff`s Office on March 2, 2024, under their case number 24-011313, was
retrieved and submitted to the Kissimmee Police Department Evidence Unit:

164347 24EV12231 Surveillance video
EVIDENCE FROM 5244 LOS PALMA VISTA DRIVE, ORLANDO:
The following physical evidence originally collected from the rear of 5244 Los Palma Vista Drive, Orlando, by Deputy
Leila Freeze of the Orange County Sheriff`s Office on February 27, 2024, under their case number 24-011313, was
retrieved and submitted to the Kissimmee Police Department Evidence Unit:

164350 24EV13228 Yellow cloth material torn in 3 pieces
EVIDENCE FROM WASTE MANAGEMENT TRANSFER STATION: 4978 L. B. MCLEOD RD., ORLANDO:
The following physical evidence originally collected from the Waster Management Transfer Station located at 4978 L.
B. McLeod Road, Orlando, by Shea Janiak of the Orange County Sheriff`s Office Forensics Unit on March 6,

Page 43

Offense: HOMICIDE

2024, under their case number 24-011313, was retrieved and submitted to the Kissimmee Police Department Evidence
Unit:

164298 24EV12961 (1) trash bag
164299 24EV12962 (1) white right foot Croc believed to be Madeline Soto`s
164300 24EV13004 (1) tire
164301 24EV13005 (1) backpack containing miscellaneous believed to be Madeline Soto`s
164302 24EV13006 (1) OCPS laptop and charger believed to be Madeline Soto`s
EVIDENCE PROCESSING CONDUCTED BY THE ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF`S OFFICE:
On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, Shea Janiak of the Orange County Sheriff`s Office Forensics Unit processed the following
items under their case number 24-011313, for potential genetic material. I retrieved and submitted swabs collected to
the Kissimmee Police Department Evidence Unit.

164316 24EV12965 (2) swabs of straps of backpack collected by S. Janiak (PR#164301)
164317 24EV12966 (2) swabs of wearer DNA from insole of (1) white right foot Croc collected by S. Janiak
(PR#164299)
164318 24EV12967 (2) swabs of zipper tags of backpack collected by S. Janiak (PR#164301)
164319 24EV12968 (2) swabs of handle of backpack collected by S. Janiak (PR#164301
DAY THREE: ORANGE COUNTY/DISTRICT NINE MEDICAL EXAMINER`S OFFICE:
AUTOPSY:
On Thursday, March 8, 2024, I traveled to the District 9 Medical Examiner`s Office and signed for and received the
following items, which were then inventoried, photographed, and submitted to the Kissimmee Police Department
Evidence Unit:
PHOTOGRAPHS:
Thirty-two photographs of the packaged evidence were taken utilizing a Canon EOS RP digital camera as observed. All
images captured were uploaded to www.evidence.com.
PHYSICAL EVIDENCE:
Item # PR# Description

IJ1 164219 One DNA card for Madeline Soto

Page 44

Offense: HOMICIDE

IJ2 164220 One shirt from Madeline Soto

IJ3 164221 One underwear from Madeline Soto
IJ4 164222 Bra from Madeline Soto
IJ5 164223 Right foot bag from Madeline Soto
IJ6 164224 Left foot bag from Madeline Soto
IJ7 164225 Two socks from Madeline Soto
IJ8 164226 Right hand bag from Madeline Soto
IJ9 164227 Left hand bag from Madeline Soto
IJ10 164228 Sweatshirt from Madeline Soto
IJ11 164229 Pants from Madeline Soto
IJ12 164230 Head hair from Madeline Soto
IJ13 164231 Left fingernail clippings from Madeline Soto
IJ14 164232 Right fingernail clippings from Madeline Soto
IJ15 164233 Comb and pubic hair from Madeline Soto
IJ16 164234 Two neck swabs (left and right) of Madeline Soto
IJ17 164235 Right hand swab of Madeline Soto
IJ18 164236 Left swab of Madeline Soto
IJ19 164237 Rectal swab of Madeline Soto
IJ20 164238 Vaginal swab of Madeline Soto
IJ21 164239 Breast swab of Madeline Soto
IJ22 164240 Oral swab of Madeline Soto
IJ23 164241 Original paper bags containing all evidence from Medical Examiner`s Office
DAY FOUR: OSCEOLA COUNTY CORRECTIONS DEPARTMENT:
On Friday, March 15, 2024, I traveled to the Osceola County Corrections Department in Kissimmee and met with
Detectives Mark Morris and Elizabeth Acevedo, for the execution of a search warrant for the collection of Major Case
Prints and the taking of photographs of Stephan Michael Sterns. We met with Sterns in a holding room, where the
warrant was executed. A set of Major Case Prints and photographs of Sterns were collected.
PHOTOGRAPHS:
Eighteen photographs of Stephan Michael Sterns were taken utilizing a Canon EOS RP digital camera as observed. All
images captured were uploaded to www.evidence.com.
PHYSICAL EVIDENCE:
Item # PR# Description

IJ24 164377 Major Case Prints collected from Stephan Michael Sterns

Page 45

Offense: HOMICIDE

CASE FOLLOW-UP:
On Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at approximately 0845 hours, I was contacted by Detective Mark Morris, who requested
specific information on the prescription medications collected from the Orange County Sheriff`s Office (PR# 164290).
At the time of collection, I was not provided specific information from the prescription bottles. At approximately 0920
hours, I signed out the prescription medications from evidence for the taking of photographs and documentation of the
medication information.
Twenty-three photographs of the medication bottles and their corresponding labels were taken utilizing a Canon EOS
RP digital camera as observed. All images captured were uploaded to www.evidence.com.
The following information was collected from the bottles and provided to Detective Mark Morris for his review:
Bottle 1: Medication Name: Dextroamp-amphetamine 5mg tab

Dosage instructions: 1 per day
Quantity remaining: 25, Quantity initially dispensed: 30
Dispensed date: 12/14/2023
Prescriber: V. Kamaraguru
Blue round tablet with markings: side 1: E84, side 2: +
Bottle 2: Medication Name: Adderall XR 20 mg capsule

Orange oblong capsule with marking: ADDERALL XR 20mg
Bottle 3: Medication Name: Hydroxyzine Pam 25 mg capsule

Green/Light Green oblong capsule with marking: IX 657
DISPOSITION OF EVIDENCE:
On Tuesday, March 5, 2024, items listed under PR#s 164083 through 164087 were submitted to the Kissimmee Police
Department Evidence Unit.

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Offense: HOMICIDE

On Thursday, March 8, 2024 items listed under PR#s 164139 through 164171 were submitted to the Kissimmee Police
Department Evidence Unit.
On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, items listed under PR#s 164211 through 164267, and 164351 through 164358 were
submitted to the Kissimmee Police Department Evidence Unit.
On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, items listed under PR#s 164290 through 164322, 164337 through 164350, and 164359
through 164368 were submitted to the Kissimmee Police Department Evidence Unit.
On Friday, March 15, 2024, the item listed under PR# 164377 was submitted to the Kissimmee Police Department
Evidence Unit.
On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, the item listed under PR# 164290 was signed out and then returned to the Kissimmee
Police Department Evidence Unit.
LABORATORY SUBMISSIONS:
On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, a laboratory submission form was completed and submitted to the Florida Department
of Law Enforcement for further analysis of the following items:
PR # Item Description FDLE Analysis

164087 Major case prints for Madeline Soto Friction Ridge
164170 7 latent lift cards from Lincoln vehicle Friction Ridge
164215 Buccal swabs Stephan Sterns Biology
164218 Penile swabs from Stephan Sterns Biology
164219 DNA card for Madeline Soto Biology
164231 IJ13 left fingernail clippings of Madeline Soto Biology
164232 IJ14 right fingernail clippings of Madeline Soto Biology
164234 IJ16 two neck swabs of Madeline Soto Biology
164235 IJ17 right hand swabs of Madeline Soto Biology
164236 IJ18 left hand swab of Madeline Soto Biology
164237 IJ19 rectal swab of Madeline Soto Biology
164238 IJ20 vaginal swab of Madeline Soto Biology
164239 IJ21 breast swab of Madeline Soto Biology
164240 IJ22 oral swab of Madeline Soto Biology

Page 47

Offense: HOMICIDE

REMARKS:
This report may contain conclusions and/or interpretations made by the author.
All times are approximate.
Additional laboratory submissions may be forthcoming.
At this time, nothing further was requested from this technician.

Page 48

Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: MORRIS, M. J. (515) Date / Time: 05/01/2024 12:57:53, Wednesday

Supervisor: ILLGEN, B. J. (650) Supervisor Review Date / Time: 05/01/2024 13:07:13, Wednesday
This supplement is to document entering the names of the person`s involved and also to document the investigative
narrative was uploaded directly into RMS due to the lenght of the narrative.
This supplement will be forwarded to the State Attorney`s Office.

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Offense: HOMICIDE

On February 26, 2024, at approximately 1853 hours, E911 System called 911 to make a missing person report. E911 System
stated she was calling on the behalf of Jennifer Soto, who is the mother to Madeline Soto. Madeline is a 13-year old
female who was missing was reported missing from Hunters Creek Middle School (13400 Town Loop Boulevard,
Orlando, FL). E911 would call 911 two different times after the initial call to Orange County, wanting to know why
deputies haven`t responded yet. This incident would be documented under Orange County Sheriff`s Office case
24-011313.
Jennifer completed a sworn written statement to Orange County deputies to the following: Jennifer stated on
02/26/2024, at approximately 0800 hours, 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 1600 hours 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. Deputy Joseph then contacted Stephen,
who identified himself as Jennifer`s boyfriend. Stephan stated he dropped Madeline off approximately one block away
from Hunters Creek Middle School. Stephan said he watched Madeline walk in the direction of the school while
searching for something in her back pack. Stephan then drove to a local vape shop, which was closed so he returned
home to 4012 Santa Maria Drive. Stephan stated he left the residence about one hour later to go to the vape shop and to
run errands, returning to the residence at approximately 1430 hours.
When Jennifer and Stephan were reporting Madeline missing, Stephan described Madeline to be wearing a green
hoodie, blue pants and white Crocs. Jennifer then stated Madeline was wearing black shorts. During this interaction it
appeared as if Stephan was answering the deputy`s questions while Jennifer was also trying to answer the questions.
Stephan appeared confident in his answers about Madeline`s description, where Jennifer didn`t.
Madeline was entered into NCIC/FCIC as missing. Deputy Joseph from the Orange County Sheriff`s Office contacted
the on-call Domestic Crimes Detective, who investigate missing persons, who advised to send the report to the Missing
Persons squad.
Detective Hunt was assigned the missing person`s case and began his investigation. Detective Hunt conducted
interviews with Jennifer and Stephan to gather details regarding Madeline going missing.
On February 27, 2024 at approximately 1116 hours, Detective Hunt made contact with Jennifer at her residence.
Jennifer stated the following during her statement: Jennifer stated she last saw Madeline at approximately 2300 hours,
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. Jennifer stated Stephan moved out of
her house sometime in December 2023 because he was offered a job by his father who lives in North Port, Florida.
Jennifer stated Stephan has visited two to three times since he moved out. Jennifer stated Stephan was planning on
staying one week during this time because he was going to help with Madeline and

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Offense: HOMICIDE

their dog while she was in training for her new job. Jennifer stated she couldn`t remember when Stephan arrived. She
stated it was either Saturday or Sunday morning. Jennifer stated she heard people getting ready in the morning, but
couldn`t say for sure who it was. Jennifer stated Stephan accidently woke her up while trying to get the leash on their
dog. Jennifer said she was going to help Stephan, but he was able to get the leash on the dog without her help. Jennifer
confirmed she never saw Madeline that morning. Jennifer stated when she takes Madeline to school, they would leave
no later than 0850 hours. Jennifer stated the night before they agreed to have Stephan get Madeline ready for school and
take her. Jennifer said Stephan was going to take Madeline to McDonalds, but she changed her mind in the last minute.
When Detective Hunt asked Jennifer when she found that information out, she said Stephan called her at 1018 hours in
the morning. Jennifer inquired if they ever stopped at McDonalds and Stephan said they didn`t, even though he tried
convincing her several times. Jennifer said she set her alarm for 0900 hours, which is when she woke up. Jennifer left
the residence around 0930 hours, to go to an appointment to have blood drawn. Jennifer stated she didn`t see Stephan
before she left. After Jennifer left, that is when Stephan called her to tell her about the McDonalds. Stephan also stated
after he dropped off Madeline at school, he went to a vape shop, but they weren`t open. Jennifer said she got back home
between 1115 hours and 1130 hours, and Stephan was there. Jennifer said she stayed at home until about 1430 hours,
until she left to go pick up Madeline from school. Jennifer said she waited for approximately 10 minutes after the school
bell rang for Madeline to come out to her car. Since Madeline didn`t come out to the car, Jennifer stated she couldn`t
remember if she told Madeline to go to her grandmother`s (Yolanda Zambrano Nunez) office to be picked up. Jennifer
called Yolanda who stated Madeline wasn`t there. Jennifer drove around the area looking for Madeline, then went back
to the school to speak with someone at the office. The office was closed. Jennifer said while she was driving to the
school, she placed a call to Sage Ellis, who is Madeline`s best friend. Sage stated Madeline never made it to school.
Jennifer asked her what she meant, and said "I, we dropped her off close to school". Jennifer said she emailed
Madeline`s teachers to inquire about her attendance for the day, which confirmed she wasn`t in school all day. At that
point, E911 stated she called 911. Jennifer said she is the one who typically gets Madeline ready for school, but this
week she asked Stephan to help because of her new work schedule. Jennifer said Stephan has only dropped Madeline
off once or twice in the past. Detective Hunt asked why Stephan would drop her off close to the school instead of on
school grounds and she said Madeline was embarrassed to be seen in Stephan`s vehicle. Detective Hunt inquired about
Madeline`s biological father, Tyler Wallace. Tyler lives in Texas, but Jennifer stated she didn`t believe Madeline would
be making her way to Texas to see her father, due to the limited contact they had with each other. Jennifer said
Madeline left her debit card and cellular phone at home. Jennifer said Madeline has ADHD, and she would leave her
phone at home often. Jennifer also stated Madeline was diagnosed with autism at the same time of her ADHD. But
doctors recently reassessed Madeline and stated she only has autistic traits, but weren`t for sure if she had autism.
Detective Hunt asked Jennifer if he could take Madeline`s cellular phone to examine its contents, which she agreed and
provided it to him. Detective Hunt asked Jennifer what she thought happened, Jennifer said she didn`t think Madeline
would run away. She was dropped off between 0830 hours and 0845 hours, which is earlier than normal. Jennifer said
Stephan told her when he dropped her off, she was rummaging through her backpack assuming she was looking for her
phone. Detective Hunt concluded his interview shortly after that.
At approximately 1205 hours, Detective Hunt then contacted Stephan at Jennifer`s residence. Stephan gave the
following sworn statement: Stephan stated the last time he saw Madeline was when he dropped her off at school

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Offense: HOMICIDE

on 02/26/2024, between 0825 hours and 0840 hours. Stephan said Madeline liked to be dropped off away from school
sometimes because she didn`t want to be seen in a "hoopty" car. Meaning an old car. Stephan said he dropped Madeline
off along a stretch of road that had several communities, which was by the overpass of SR 417. Stephan said the school
was on the other side of the overpass from where he dropped her off at. Stephan said Madeline liked cool morning
walks. Stephan said Madeline was wearing her hoodie sweatshirt. Stephan said it wasn`t common for him to take
Madeline to school, he was only helping Jennifer out because she started a new job. Stephan said he splits time between
Kissimmee and his parents house in Northport, Florida, because they need his help due to their age. Stephan said when
he comes to Kissimmee he would come for weeks at a time. However, in other statements received later on in this
investigation, Stephan would only come to Kissimmee for a couple days at a time. Stephan stated he arrived in
Kissimmee on Saturday (02/24/2024). Stephan said he moved back to his parent`s house because they told him they are
getting older and they really needed his help around their house. Stephan said his parents were already making an "end
of life plan". When Detective Hunt was clarifying the times of 0825 hours and 0840 hours, Stephan said he left his
phone at home so he wasn`t sure what time it was. Stephan said after he left Madeline, he was looking at her in the
rear-view mirror and she looked like she was making her way towards the school. Stephan said he went to a vape shop
nearby, but they were closed, so he made his way home and spent time with Jennifer. Detective Hunt confirmed with
Stephan that he arrived back home around 1000 hours, and Jennifer was there and he said yes. Stephan said Jennifer
was just waking up. This statement contradicts what Jennifer said, where her alarm went off at 0900 hours and she left
at 0930 hours for her appointment. Stephan said he left to go to the vape shop and went back home where they hung out
some more. Stephan said Jennifer wanted to take a nap, so he went to run some errands. Stephan said he went to some
card game shops in the area, and that is when he got a flat tire. Stephan said he got a flat tire on Highway 192, which he
described as "hair raising". Stephan said he got the flat tire sometime between noon and 1400 hours. Stephan was
supposed to go with Jennifer to pick Madeline up from school, but he said since he got the flat tire he was late getting
home. Detective Hunt asked Stephan to tell him about Sunday night going into Monday. Stephan is heard taking a deep
sigh, and said Madeline was happy, and talking about crushes (meaning boys she had a crush on) and a singing
performance. Stephan said Jennifer requested him to take Madeline to school in the morning, Stephan agreed since he
has done this a few times in the past. When discussing the sleeping arrangements, Stephan said he and Madeline went to
sleep around 2300 hours to 2315 hours because Madeline was wound up from her party. Stephan said they were getting
up really early so the could "make good time getting out of the door". Stephan said they got up around 0700 hours on
02/26/2024. Stephan said he spoke with Jennifer a couple times while he was in and out of her room, even though
Jennifer said they only spoke once about the dog. Stephan said he was impressed they made such good time getting out
of the door, they were out between 0730 hours to 0745 hours. Detective Hunt asked Stephan where Madeline left her
phone, and he said she left it in her room when she was grabbing her shoes or sweatshirt. Detective Hunt spoke to
Stephan about the church near where he dropped Madeline off, and concluded the interview shortly afterwards.
Detective Hunt obtained information from license plate readers and video footage from the area which revealed certain
inconsistencies in Stephan`s statement.
Detective Hunt then contacted Yolanda Zambrano, who is Madeline`s grandmother. The last time she saw

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Madeline was the night of 02/25/2024, at her home located at 5244 Los Palmas Vista Drive, Orlando, Florida 32837.
This is where Madeline`s birthday party was held. It is not uncommon for Madeline to sometimes walk from Hunters
Creek Middle School to Yolanda`s office located at 13550 Village Park Drive. On 02/26/2024, Jennifer called Yolanda
and asked if Madeline walked to her office because she was not currently at school. Yolanda stated Madeline was taken
to school by Stephan, whom she knows as Jennifer`s ex-boyfriend. Yolanda believes Jennifer and Stephan broke up in
December when he moved out of the home, but she wasn`t sure why they broke up. Yolanda stated Stephan possibly
came to Kissimmee for Madeline`s birthday. Stephan has taken Madeline to school in the past and stated he dropped her
off at a nearby apartment complex named Urbana. Madeline has never run away from home in the past. Approximately
one year ago, there was an incident where Madeline was upset due to having an argument with her mother and she
called Yolanda. At that time, Madeline explained she was walking around the neighborhood due to being angry;
however, she soon went back home after being told to do so by Yolanda. Yolanda stated she doesn`t like Stephan
because he doesn`t do anything, as in working. She said Jennifer just doesn`t want to be alone
Detective Tagler with the Orange County Sheriff`s Office was also asked to assist with interviewing Stephan during this
case. Detective Tagler would eventually become the lead investigator for the Orange County Sheriff`s Office case.
Detective Tagler contacted Stephan at 4012 Santa Maria Drive. Detective Tagler was provided locations where
Stephan`s vehicle (2010 silver Lincoln MKZ, bearing FL tag IYLL82) had been seen during the time Stephan stated he
dropped off Madeline at school. Detective Tagler confronted Stephan about his locations during the interview, but
Stephan would provide answers that did not match up to his vehicle location. This raised concerns with Detective
Tagler as if Stephan was withholding information. Stephan provided consent to search his phone, however he stated had
accidently performed a factory reset on his phone on 02/26/2024. Detective Tagler asked Stephan a second time if he
consented to the download of his phone and he agreed and provided his passcode. Detective Tagler gave Stephan`s
cellular phone to the Orange County Sheriff`s Office Digital Forensics Unit to download. Detective Tagler then
proceeded to the security gate at Venetian Bay to review video. Upon reviewing the security video, Detective Tagler
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. At that point,
Detective Tagler decided to secure the residence at 4012 Santa Maria Drive for a search warrant.
The Kissimmee Police Department was notified and asked to assist with this case. Detective Smallwood responded to
assist Orange County in the search. The decision was made to have patrol officers from the Kissimmee Police
Department secure the location for the search warrant to be executed on 02/28/2024.
On February 28, 2024, I, Detective Mark Morris, was called and asked to respond to 4012 Santa Maria Drive to assist
Orange County in executing the search warrant for their missing person case.
Upon my arrival I contacted Orange County deputies who were waiting for their forensics unit to arrive to execute the
search warrant. While Orange County was serving a search warrant on the premises, a subsequent search warrant was
executed on Stephan`s cellular phone. Upon reviewing the contents of Stephan`s phone, it was

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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 pictures and
videos depicting an apparent child`s vagina and mouth being penetrated by a penis. Sexual Offense Identity
Sexual Offense Identity
During this time, it was also discovered Stephan did not drop Madeline off at school as he previously stated. Orange
County detectives were able to gather information from license plate readers and traffic cameras, this information
confirmed that Stephan did not drop Madeline off at school. In fact, his vehicle was seen driving south on Old Hickory
Tree Road on 02/26/2024.
Corporal Illgen and I drove out to the area of Old Hickory Tree road to canvass the area for possible spots where
Stephan may have dumped Madeline`s body. We searched several different places; however, the results were negative.
We also contacted staff at Hickory Tree Elementary to review surveillance video. Deputy Chisolm with the Osceola
County Sheriff`s Office was able to assist in watching the video. On 02/26/2024, at approximately 1317 hours, a vehicle
matching Stephan`s is seen travelling south on Old Hickory Tree Road passing the school.
Based upon the suspicious nature of Madeline going missing, it was decided that I become the lead investigator from
the Kissimmee Police Department.
On February 28, 2024, at approximately 1300 hours, Corporal Illgen and I responded to the Orange County Sheriff`s
Office so I could be briefed on their investigation. Due to this investigation being worked by the two different agencies,
it was decided to have the command center be housed at the Orange County Sheriff`s Office. Deputies had already
arranged for Jennifer and Stephan to be transported there for a press conference. I was shown the contents of Stephan`s
Google Drive, where one folder that appeared dedicated to Sexual contained over 1700 files. A majority of these
photographs and videos showed Sexual in different sexual positions. Based upon these images, Orange County
Detective`s began to author an arrest warrant for Stephan. Due to the fact that most of these images appeared to have
occurred at Sexual Offense Identity location, probable cause was provided to Detective Moore of the
Kissimmee Police Department. Detective Moore wrote the arrest warrant charging Stephan with sexual battery and
possession of child pornography.
I was also provided information from license plate readers, surveillance videos and traffic cameras:
On February 26, 2024, at 0730 hours, 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.
On February 26, 2024, at 0810 hours, Stephan is driving south on John Young Parkway approaching Thacker

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Avenue. Madeline is still in the front passenger seat in the same position.
On February 26, 2024, at 0819 hours, 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.
On February 26, 2024, at 0901 hours, 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.
On February 26, 2024, at 0935 hours, 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.
On February 26, 2024, at 1014 hours, Stephan enters Venetian Bay through the east gate of the complex. Madeline is no
longer seen in the front passenger seat of his vehicle.
On February 26, 2024, at 1054 hours, Stephan is seen driving to the dumpster in Venetian Bay throwing away more
trash.
On February 26, 2024, at 1122 hours, 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.
On February 26, 2024, at 1316 hours, Stephan is driving south Old Hickory Tree Road. Stephan passes Hickory Tree
Elementary at approximately 1317 hours.
On February 26, 2024, at 1411 hours, 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.
On February 26, 2024, at 1521 hours, Stephan is seen throwing items in the dumpster in Venetian Bay.
On February 27, 2024, at 0318 hours, 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. At 0335 hours, Jennifer`s vehicle is seen driving
south on Old Hickory Tree Road from Highway 192. The vehicle is then seen again turning west on Highway 192 from
Old Hickory Tree Road at 0409 hours.

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The vehicle then returns to Venetian Bay at approximately 0430 hours. A more detailed timeline is included with
Detective Cabral`s supplement.
While the arrest warrant was being written and obtained by Detective Moore, at approximately 1645 hours, I contacted
Jennifer 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.
Jennifer stated she was woke up the next morning by Stephan attempting to put a leash on their dog. Stephan told
Jennifer to go back to bed because he would take care of walking the dog. So, Jennifer went back to sleep. Jennifer
stated Madeline must have got dressed for school in her room because her phone was left on her nightstand. Jennifer
stated Stephan said he was impressed on how quickly they were able to get out of the house to go to school. Stephan
told Jennifer that Madeline was asleep most of the ride to school, however he was still able to ask her about eating at
McDonalds according to Stephan. Jennifer stated they recently ended their relationship and he moved back to North
Port, Florida to stay with his parents. Jennifer said she ended the relationship because he was a messy person. Jennifer
said they didn`t have a sexual relationship because her medications affected her sex drive. I asked Jennifer who drives
her vehicle, and she said only her and Stephan. Jennifer said Stephan took her vehicle Monday night because he decided
to go drive around, searching for Madeline. This would have been when Stephan traveled back to Saint Cloud in the
early morning hours of 02/27/2024. Orange County Detective`s had previously shown Jennifer photographs of
Stephan`s penis for identification purposes. Jennifer did not want believe Sexual and Stephan were engaged in sexual
activity. Jennifer asked to see the image of Stephan Sexual Offense I pulled out a printed picture from Stephan`s Google
Drive that showed Sexual with Stephan`s penis in Se mouth. Jennifer said she didn`t recognize anything in the
picture, as if she was in denial. However, she became visibly upset. Shortly after these questions, I excused myself and
told her that I was going to speak with Stephan.
I contacted Stephan in an interview room at the Sheriff`s Office. Stephan was asleep when I entered the room along
with Corporal Illgen. After introducing ourselves, I explained the reason why we were there speaking with him. I read
Stephan his Miranda Warnings which we waived and agreed to speak with us. Stephan stated he had known Jennifer for
several years and they dated for most of that time. I asked Stephan what the sleeping arrangements were within the
home. Stephan stated Madeline typically sleeps with Jennifer in Jennifer`s bed. Stephan stated Madeline wanted them
all to sleep in the same bed when he returned from being away for several months. Stephan stated Madeline always
needed human contact when going to sleep, Stephan referred to it as "snuggling". I asked Stephan if he stayed in the
same room as Madeline the entire night. Stephan said he was up and down, maybe to grab a drink, but he never slept in
Jennifer`s bed that night. Stephan stated Madeline would set her alarm for around 0700-0730 hours, and would then
snooze for a while. Stephan stated they eventually make it out the door. This contradicts his prior statement saying they
made good time getting out of the house to drop her off. Stephan said he was giving Jennifer updates as the morning
went along, meaning he was telling Jennifer when Madeline was

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getting dressed and leaving. This was also not true, as Jennifer stated the only time they spoke is when he was getting
the leash on the dog and he told her to go back to sleep. Stephan said they had time to kill since they were too early for
school, so he returned home because he forgot his gate clicker for the complex. However, when Stephan arrived at the
gate, he had his gate clicker in his hand while speaking with the security guard at Venetian Bay. Stephan said Madeline
was wearing a green sweatshirt, black shorts and white crocs when he dropped her off. This is a different description he
provided deputies during the initial contact. As the interview went on, I asked Stephan if Madeline has ever been
sexually active with anyone in the past. Stephan stated there was an incident when she was much younger. Stephan said
Madeline did something with a phone or camera, but she wasn`t scolded for it. Stephan said she was very young when
this happened. I asked Stephan if he provided Orange County deputies consent to search through his phone and he
stated yes. I asked Stephan if he had a Google account and he stated he did. When I asked Stephan if he saved pictures
to that account, he said sometimes. Stephan stated he did have pictures of him and Madeline saved to that account.
When I asked Stephan about all the pictures he had saved, Stephan then asked if he should be talking to a lawyer.
Shortly after that, Stephan requested an attorney. Stephan was arrested for sexual battery Sexual Offense Identity
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. Stephan was then
transported to the Orange County Jail to be held on a zero bond.
While I was conducting interviews with Jennifer and Stephan, Detective Belardes from the Orange County Sheriff`s
Office, learned the garbage dumpster from Venetian Bay had not been collected since Stephan is seen on video
throwing several items away. Detective Belardes arranged for the dumpster to be collected and transported to 4978 LB
McLeod Road, where the dumpster was emptied in a secure area away from all other trash. 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.
On February 29, 2024, at approximately 1709 hours, we contacted Jennifer. I advised Jennifer that our 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, which is a

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sleeping medication and anxiety medication, and MiraLAX for constipation. I asked Jennifer what is her morning
routine with Madeline. She said she makes sure Madeline has her school items ready, while making her breakfast and
lunch. Jennifer said she makes sure Madeline takes her medications before school. Then she would take her to school,
Jennifer said her entire life was dedicated to Madeline. When I asked Jennifer about the sleeping arrangements, Jennifer
said Madeline would sleep with her most of the time, and when Stephan was there, they would all sleep in the same bed
together. Jennifer said when her and Stephan broke up, she could only think of a few times that Madeline slept with
Stephan in a separate room. Jennifer said she didn`t feel comfortable with Madeline sleeping with Stephan, and it didn`t
look right to her. I asked Jennifer when she started feeling comfortable with it and she said she never was comfortable
with it. I challenged Jennifer about telling them to go to sleep together on 02/25/2024, and she it was a selfish move
because she wanted a good night`s sleep.
On February 29, 2024, at approximately 1933 hours, Sergeant Breuer and myself contacted Angelica Nigro, who is one
of Jennifer`s roommates. Angelica was placed under oath and she provided the following statement: Jennifer stated she
arrived home at approximately 2330 hours, on 02/25/2024. I asked if she seen Madeline or Jennifer when she got home
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. Angelica stated she did hear noises coming from the bedroom next to her, which would be
Stephan`s bedroom where he and Madeline slept. Jennifer told Angelica that her and Stephan has not had a sexual
relationship within the past six months. Angelica stated on 02/26/2024, she woke up between 0930 hours and she went
downstairs to make breakfast around 1030 hours. Angelica stated she saw Stephan in the residence at that time.
Angelica said Stephan was acting odd and going upstairs and downstairs, and in and out of the apartment that morning.
Stephan was also washing clothes, which she has never seen him do. When Angelica left for work at approximately
1540 hours, Stephan was there. Angelica got home from work at approximately 2300 hours, and that is when Jennifer
told her that Madeline was missing. Angelica said Jennifer was crying and very emotional. Angelica described
Stephan`s emotions as calm, and not how someone would act if their child was missing. Later during the interview, I
showed a photograph that was located in Stephan`s phone of a nude female in a bathroom. Angelica identified the
person in the photograph as her, which she did not give him permission to take those pictures.
On March 1, 2024, at approximately 1157 hours, Detective Smallwood and I contacted Jennifer at her residence for a
follow up interview. I advised Jennifer that we would be taking her to the Orange County Sheriff`s Office to retrieve her
vehicle. I advised Jennifer that I would be taking over the investigation and there would be a press conference this day
to announce it. Jennifer asked when I said we, did we mean homicide. I told Jennifer I meant we as the Kissimmee
Police Department, but yes, we will be working it as a homicide because we had a strong belief that Madeline was
deceased. 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

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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. Jennifer said
she had to go out and purchase some small items and she felt like she shouldn`t be outside, because of the attention this
case has received. Jennifer said she didn`t want to end up hospitalized for her mental health. Detective Smallwood
asked Jennifer what medication she used to help her sleep. Jennifer said it was called Geodon, but the bottle says
Ziprasidone. Jennifer said she has to take it with food and within 30 minutes to an hour she is asleep. Jennifer said
Madeline would take Hydroxyzine for her anxiety and also to help her sleep. Jennifer was asked if Stephan has
attempted to reach out to her since he was arrested and she became upset and said no, and it would be stupid if he did.
Jennifer stated we asked her about Stephan`s sexual kinks and she said she remembered last night that he had an anal
sex kink. Jennifer said she always refused when Stephan would want anal sex with her. Jennifer also remembered that
Stephan would be easily angered and was very irritable and negative about things. Jennifer said Stephan would only get
angry at Madeline over normal parenting things, or if Madeline didn`t want to do what was asked of her. Jennifer stated
she had given Stephan the benefit of the doubt about when he told her he dropped her off at school. Jennifer said
Stephan is a master liar and a master manipulator, and she had recently had this conversation with Chris, Stephan`s
father. Jennifer assumed law enforcement was looking into Stephan because he was the last person to see Madeline, and
she wanted to believe he had nothing to do with her going missing. Jennifer said once we showed her the photographs
Sexual Offense Identity that is when she realized Stephan was guilty. I asked her what she thought Stephan was
Sexual Offense Identity I asked Jennifer if she thought Stephan killed
Madeline and she said "at this point, I do". I asked her why she thought that and she said we showed her a photograph
of Madeline slumped over in Stephan`s vehicle. Jennifer said she felt like Stephan dumped her body somewhere, but
she didn`t know where. I pressured Jennifer on where she thought Stephan would have dumped Madeline`s body, and
she kept saying she didn`t know. Jennifer became upset and said she would tell us if she knew because she wanted her
child back. We arrived at the Orange County Sheriff`s Office where Jennifer was taken inside to be interviewed by
Detective O`Malley and Detective Smallwood further.
On March 1, 2024, search teams from the Orange County Sheriff`s Office, the Osceola County Sheriff`s Office and the
Saint Cloud Police Department was dispatched to different areas of the respectful jurisdictions to search for Madeline.
A news conference was held by the Orange County Sheriff`s Office and the Kissimmee Police Department, asking for
the public`s help if they may have witnessed Stephan`s vehicle in the area. It was also released that Stephan may have
been changing his tire on the side of the road.
At approximately 1600 hours, 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 1320
hours. Thomas provided pictures of the location where he saw this person and pointed out

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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. This information was relayed to Major Fred Hinderman,
who notified Captain Schad.
Captain Schad called me to let me know that Madeline`s body was possibly located. I called Major Hinderman, who
provided me with the location of the body they had located.
Detective Smallwood, Corporal Illgen and I, responded to 5670 Hickory Tree Road, where we contacted several
deputies with the Osceola County Sheriff`s Office. It was decided the Osceola County Sheriff`s Office Forensics Unit
would be processing the scene. I asked to be brought to where the body was located. Forensics` supervisor Emily Seda
walked me to the area where the body was. Based upon the clothing description seen on several videos, the body did
appear to be that of Madeline. The lock to the farm was still locked and didn`t appeared to be tampered with. Stephan
would have had to drop Madeline`s body over the barbed wire fence or where the gate was. Then move her body to the
location where she was found. I contacted the Orange/Osceola County Medical Examiner`s Office and asked for them to
respond to collect Madeline.
Medical Examiner Investigator Kiersein Robinson responded and assisted in processing and preserving the body of
Madeline. When Madeline was removed from underneath the dry grass and hay, I immediately was able to identify her
by a specific mole she had on her cheek. Madeline showed signs of decomposition to one side of her face and her hands.
Madeline was wearing a green hoodie (the hoodie portion was over the top of her head), blue jeans and white socks.
The bottom of Madeline`s socks were clean, which indicates she did not walk anywhere, or the socks would have had
dirt on the bottom. Madeline was transported to the Medical Examiner`s Office, where an autopsy would be performed
the following day.
I placed a telephone call to Jennifer to let her know that we had located Madeline and that she was deceased. Jennifer
started to cry over the phone and handed the phone to her father to continue to the conversation. I told him that I would
be in touch with the family in the next day or two.
On March 2, 2024, at approximately 1000 hours, Detective Smallwood and I, responded to the Medical Examiner`s
Office for Madeline`s autopsy. The autopsy was preformed by Dr. Stephan Giles. Prior to the autopsy, I examined
Madeline`s body when it was initially uncovered. I noticed her socks were clean on the bottom, which confirmed my
observations when she was located in Saint Cloud. During the autopsy, 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.

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On March 4, 2024, at approximately 1509 hours, Detective Smallwood and I contacted Thomas Carris, the witness who
provided the location to Osceola County Deputies. Thomas stated the following in a sworn statement: Thomas stated he
observed the press release in regards to Stephen`s vehicle. Thomas stated he was driving down Hickory Tree Road on
02/24/2024, he noticed the Lincoln on the west side of the road, and a male standing next to the vehicle. The vehicle
had a spare tire on the rear driver`s side. Thomas stated he texted a client of his at 1320 hours, saying that he was 20
minutes away from his house. This would be in the timeframe where Stephan passes Hickory Tree Elementary at 1317
hours. Stephan was shown a photo lineup by Officer Vanessa Carey, in which he positively identified Stephan as the
person who he saw standing next to the Lincoln at 5670 Hickory Tree Road. Thomas drew on a paper the location of
Stephan`s vehicle and identified surrounding trees where Madeline was found. I asked Thomas if anything stood out to
him about Stephan as he passed by. Thomas stated Stephan had a scared look to him, but Thomas thought he was upset
due to the vehicle being broke down on the side of the road.
On March 5, 2024, at 1419 hours, I made contact with Steven Young at the Kissimmee Police Department. Steven was
identified as Jennifer`s ex-husband, prior to Stephan. Stephan was placed under oath and provided the following
statement: Steven stated he married Jennifer in 2015 and divorced in either 2016 or 2017, he wasn`t sure. 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. I asked Steven how
the relationship with Jennifer was when they were together. Steven stated it 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 stated he loved and cared about Madeline even
though the relationship with Jennifer didn`t work out. Steven said he thought Madeline was in good hands, so he tried to
become with Stephen since he was going to be in Madeline`s life. Steven said he visited Jennifer and Stephan when
they lived in Northport, Florida. Steven was playing games with Stephan which ended in a small argument. Ever since
the argument of board games, they haven`t spoke since. I asked Steven where he lived when he was living in Florida.
Steven said he lived in an area called Williamsburg, which is near Sea World. Steven would move to Colorado in 2022.
Steven would keep in contact with Madeline and would inquire how she was being treated by Stephan. I asked Steven
to explain the sleeping arrangements when he was living with Jennifer. Steven said Madeline would sleep with Jennifer,
but he wasn`t comfortable with Madeline sleeping with them in the same bed. I asked Steven if he had seen any
demeanor changes with Madeline. Steven said Madeline seemed off for the last few years, which he thought it could
have been Madeline going through puberty, but it started during the end of elementary school. This would be around the
time Sexual Offense Identity . Steven said Jennifer wasn`t different, but she was always trying
to figure out her mental health medications. Jennifer recently disclosed to Steven where a recent medication that she had
been taking knocks her out, meaning tired and sleeping. I asked Steven how he heard about Madeline and he stated that
his wife saw something online. Steven talked with Jennifer on 02/27/2024, when Jennifer

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stated Stephan took Madeline to school and made a bunch of mistakes afterwards like deleting his phone. Jennifer also
stated Stephan and Madeline both forgot their phones when he took her to school. Steven said he believed Madeline
forgot her phone, but thought it was odd that Stephan forgot his phone because he always had his phone and was typing
on it all the time. Steven said he wanted to make sure the spoke with Jennifer over the phone because he wanted to hear
the tone of her voice. Steven described Jennifer`s tone as being anxious if something was wrong. Steven said they were
speaking over speakerphone and Stephan was with Jennifer. Stephan made the comment that he felt guilty because he
forgot his phone, and then he accidently reset it. Steven couldn`t believe that Stephan was saying over the phone.
Jennifer began saying what time she thought she woke up because of the dog, and Stephan interjected and told her that
he would take care of the dog so she could rest. I asked Steven if he knew why Jennifer didn`t go to Madeline`s birthday
party. Steven said Jennifer`s family can be a lot to handle sometimes, and if she was starting a new job he understood
why she wasn`t there. I asked Steven if he thought Jennifer had anything to do with what happened to Madeline, and he
said he doesn`t feel like she would deliberately known because she had family that could have helped her with the
situation. Steven said Ashlynn is starting to see a new therapist, and he said if she discloses anything related to this case
he would let me know.
On March 6, 2024, at approximately 0906 hours, Detective Smallwood and I responded to 21935 Haynes Avenue, Port
Charlotte, Florida. We contacted Frank Peralta, who had previously called me and said he wanted to speak about
Stephan. Frank was placed under oath and stated the following: Frank stated he found out about Madeline`s death about
three to four days prior to this conversation. Frank stated he saw an article on Google that mentioned her death and he
watched some YouTube videos. Frank stated the people making YouTube videos described Stephan in a way different
than he knew him. Frank said he met Stephan about three years ago because they played the same game called
Warhammer. Frank said he thought some of the interviews were weird because Stephan and Jennifer referred to
themselves as boyfriend and girlfriend. Frank knew they weren`t in a relationship anymore, so he thought it was odd. I
asked Frank if he talked about Jennifer when he hung out with him recently and he said he talked more about Madeline
than Jennifer because they created such a strong bond. Frank thought it was strange because Stephan didn`t work,
however he had the money to purchase items for the multiple games he played. Frank said he knew that Stephan would
take Adderall, because he would be awake all night and would sleep during the day. Frank didn`t know if Stephan took
any type of sleeping medication. I asked Frank if he had any conversations with Stephan about his sex life. Frank stated
no, however they would be out and an adult female would be interested in Stephan and Stephan showed zero interest.
Frank stated Stephan told him the was going to go to Kissimmee the weekend of 02/17/2024, but he didn`t go. Frank
stated Stephan was talking about Madeline when he said he was going to Kissimmee that weekend. Frank said Stephan
was talking about he and Jennifer ending their relationship and Madeline`s name came up during that conversation. He
was more upset about the bond he created with Madeline, than having a relationship with Jennifer. There were no
conversations between Stephan and Jennifer mentioning him going to Kissimmee that weekend. Frank stated he didn`t
know much about the sleeping arrangements when Stephan was living in Kissimmee.
On March 6, 2024, at approximately 1018 hours, Detective Smallwood and I responded to 2341 Snug Street, Northport,
Florida, to speak with Chris Sterns and Debra Sterns, who are the parents of Stephan. Chris stated that he was expecting
to speak with us at some point during this investigation. I told them I was trying to get an

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understanding of Stephan`s and Jennifer`s relationship. They stated Stephan and Jennifer were together approximately
seven years. Debra stated they didn`t approve of them being together because of drug use. Chris stated it was drug use
as well as Jennifer was taking medication for depression and anxiety, and he didn`t think Jennifer was going to be a
good influence for Stephan. They explained that both Stephan and Jennifer would sleep all the time and it wasn`t a
positive thing for the relationship. When both Stephan and Jennifer would suffer a mental illness episode, they would
bring the other person down with them, and it wasn`t a good dynamic. Chris stated Stephan was diagnosed with sleep
apnea and he would be up all night and then sleep all day. I asked what Stephan would do when he was in town staying
with them, and Chris stated Stephan would lock himself in his bedroom and only come out to eat dinner. Chris stated he
brought Stephan back to Northport from Kissimmee because he was tired of supporting him living with Jennifer. Chris
stated Stephan was sharing a room with Jennifer, but when they split up, Stephan began living in his own room at the
location, so Chris would pay Stephan`s rent of $600 a month. Chris said when Stephan moved back to their house,
Stephan would lock himself in his room and they were always tension due to his sleeping disorder. Chris said when
Stephan moved back to Northport, he and Jennifer were supposed to be broken up. I asked Chris if Stephan ever said
they were officially broken up and he said yes and no. Chris stated Jennifer told him the week prior to Stephan coming
to Kissimmee for this incident, that Jennifer told him she didn`t want Stephan as a partner and he wouldn`t be a good
partner for her. Chris said he assumed they were officially ended their relationship because Stephan had recently been
seeing another female. I asked how many times Stephan went to Kissimmee after he moved back home. They stated he
went to Kissimmee three different times including this most recent time. Once being during Thanksgiving and the other
was Christmas. Debra stated in the last year or so, Madeline began showing signs of being bipolar. I asked if she
witnessed Jennifer and Madeline "butting" heads as previously mentioned, and she said no. Debra said she would only
hear them arguing over the phone. Debra stated she didn`t think Madeline was a very social person and she didn`t have
many friends. This was odd because Madeline had several friends at her current school. I asked when Madeline,
Jennifer and Stephan were visiting Northport, if any of them took any medication to fall asleep and Debra said no.
Debra said Stephan was prescribed an anit-anxiety medication and ADHD medication. But neither one of them knew
that Stephan or Jennifer`s medical routines were. I asked if Stephan would drive the silver Lincoln to Kissimmee when
he visited Jennifer. Chris said that he would drive Chris`s Lincoln because he didn`t trust Stephan`s vehicle. I asked
why Stephan went to Kissimmee this most recent time and Chris said it was for Madeline`s birthday. Debra stated
Madeline called Stephan on 02/24/2024, to make sure that he was coming. Chris said something was odd with Stephan
and he was very upset. Stephan was anxiously looking for anxiety medication from Chris and Debra, but was
unsuccessful. Chris said Stephan looked very stressed out on Saturday (02/24/2024) evening. Chris said he felt that
Stephan was more stressed out over something rather than upset at something, but had no idea what was stressing him
out. I asked when did they hear about what happened with Madeline`s disappearance, and Chris said he spoke with
Stephan when he arrived in Kissimmee on 02/25/2024. Chris said he tried to get a hold of Stephan several times on
Monday (02/26/2024) morning, but he didn`t get an answer. Stephan called Chris at 1517 hours and Stephan`s voice
seemed a little off to Chris. During that conversation, Stephan tells Chris that he got a flat tire somewhere on Highway
192. Stephan tells Chris that he changed the tire but got injured during the process due to pinching his finger between
the jack and the vehicle. Stephan then calls Chris back at 1654 hours, and Stephan tells Chris that there has been "an
occurrence" and he was on his way to Madeline`s grandmothers house. Chris thought that was a strange use of words.
Stephan then tells Chris the story of him dropping Madeline off near the school

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because she didn`t want to be seen in his car. Chris thought it was strange that two incidents happened during the same
day. Stephan tells Chris that Madeline had not been in school all day and the area where she was dropped off at was a
known area for kidnappings and abductions. The area of Hunters Creek Middle School is an upper middle-class
neighborhood, and not an area like Stephan told Chris. During the conversation, Chris said Stephan was upset as if he
was holding himself responsible for Madeline`s disappearance. Chris said he felt that Stephan was rehearsing his story
on him because it was the same routine that he used during Stephan`s statement during a media interview on Tuesday
(02/27/2024). Chris would speak with Stephan over the phone a few more times during Monday and Tuesday. Chris
would ask what Stephan and Jennifer have done to help find Madeline, and when it was mentioned law enforcement
wanted Stephan`s phone, Chris advised him to hand his phone over if there wasn`t anything incriminating on it. Stephan
then told Chris that he accidently reset his phone when doing an update, Chris thought it was bullshit and said there was
no way to accidently do that. I asked Chris why he went to Kissimmee, and he said Stephan told him they were getting
kicked out of their home and had to stay in a hotel. This is when the residence was secured for a search warrant. Chris
went to Kissimmee to assist Stephan and Jennifer for whatever they needed. Chris said when he left, he couldn`t lock
the front door because the batteries were dead in the electronic lock, so he advised Debra of the issue. When Chris got
to Kissimmee, he met up with Stephan and Jennifer and they had a small discussion on the probable interviews that may
take place the following day and they went to their respective rooms. Chris said he got a call from Jennifer the
following morning (02/28/2024), asking if Stephan was with him. Chris and Jennifer met in the lobby and Chris asked
Jennifer if her car keys were in the room and she says no. Jennifer received a phone call from a detective saying they are
wanting to conduct an interview; however, Stephan was not there. Chris became concerned at that point thinking
Stephan was going to look guilty. Stephan eventually shows up to the hotel and told a story that he got lost. Chris didn`t
believe the story because Jennifer`s car has a GPS feature which would provide accurate directions. Chris was able to
speak with Detective Alex Richards, who advised Chris that Stephan was in Northport early Wednesday morning.
Detective Richards told Chris they had information that Stephan possibly went to his storage facility located at 1001
Executive Avenue, #124, Northport, Florida. Chris said Stephan would have been disappointed because there was no
way to gain access into their home because the only way inside would have been through the garage, which he didn`t
have remote for. Chris stated when Stephan eventually made it back to the hotel, he went to sleep and there was no
waking him up. I asked Chris why Stephan would come to the house, and he said the only reason would be to possibly
steal something to get money. I asked if they have spoke with Jennifer since Stephan was arrested and Chris stated they
exchanged a few texts. Debra asked if we spoke to Jennifer about what happened after Madeline`s birthday party. Debra
stated Jennifer told them she asked Madeline to go sleep with Stephan in his room, and Debra was not ok with that and
that was another reason they wanted Stephan to come back to their home to stay. I asked them if Stephan had any
medication prescribed to him when the came to Kissimmee and he said no. Stephan was having a lapse in insurance
coverage. I asked Chris when Northport Police Department contacted him, did he give them a desktop computer and he
said yes. Chris said they gave Northport Police Department full access to Stephan`s room, but it did not appear they
took anything of evidentiary value other than the computer that Chris gave them. Chris went on to say that Jennifer
should not have been acting they way she was after just learning Sexual Offense Identity Then
also stated he thought everything that Stephan would say was a lie and he didn`t know what to believe, especially
during the media interview. Detective Smallwood asked them if they thought Stephan would be capable of doing
something like this, and Debra said no, and she thought it may have

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been an accident.
After the interview was concluded, Detective Smallwood and I responded to the Northport Police Department, where
we collected the tower computer and power cord collected from Stephan`s room. The computer was delivered to the
Kissimmee Police Department and submitted into evidence.
On March 7, 2024, at approximately 1038 hours, I contacted Nathalie Rosero, who is a roommate that lived at 4012
Santa Maria Drive. Nathalie provided the following in a sworn statement: Nathalie stated she has known Jennifer for
years because she was friends with Jennifer`s sister. Nathalie moved into the residence in the beginning of 2022.
Nathalie stated Stephan was already living at the residence, but she didn`t communicate with him outside of saying
hello and goodbye. Nathalie would spend most of her time in her own bedroom with her son. Jennifer confided in
Nathalie that Stephan wasn`t maintaining a job to help provide for the household. That is when Stephan moved upstairs
away from Jennifer and eventually moving out of the residence and back to his mother and father`s residence. Nathalie
stated her work schedule and morning routine are consistent because it had to be for her son. Nathalie stated she makes
it a point to be out of the house by 0745 hours, because she has to drop off her son before she goes to work. Nathalie
stated Madeline is normally waking up as she is leaving for the day, and she would sometimes see her. I asked if she
ever seen Madeline getting ready for school, and she said that Madeline would typically get ready for school in
Jennifer`s bedroom. I asked Nathalie if she has ever seen Madeline be alone with Stephan, and she could only remember
one time they were inside of his room playing video games. Nathalie text Jennifer asking if she was good with Madeline
being in the room alone with Stephan, and Jennifer replied saying thank you. I asked Nathalie if Jennifer takes
medication, and she said she thought she took medication to help with her ADHD and sleeping habits. Nathalie
described an incident where she tried waking Jennifer up in the middle of the night because someone tried breaking into
her car. Nathalie stated it was very hard to wake Jennifer up, and believed it was because of the medication. Nathalie
stated during the evening of 02/26/2024, Nathalie told Jennifer that she would help pass out flyers on 02/27/2024, or do
whatever else that needed done to find Madeline. That is when Stephan looks at Nathalie and asks her "Are you ok?".
Nathalie became annoyed and told him no. Nathalie was bothered with this question from Stephan, and thought the
question was odd. Nathalie described Jennifer as being "in pieces" meaning very upset about Madeline`s disappearance,
and Stephan was acting like he was concerned. I asked Nathalie if she has ever known Madeline want to go to school
early, and she said no. Nathalie stated she did not think Jennifer had anything to do with Madeline`s death, and became
very emotional saying they love their kids.
On March 7, 2024, at approximately 1307 hours, Detective Reyes Soto an I contacted Angelica to conduct a follow up
interview. It appeared that Angelica was moving out of the residence she shared with Jennifer and Madeline. I wanted
to confirm the timeline we had previously spoke about. Angelica stated she got home from work on 02/25/2024, at
approximately 2300 to 2330 hours. I asked if she seen anyone when she got home and she said no, but could hear
people upstairs. I asked Angelica if Jennifer`s door was open and she described it as being cracked open slightly.
Angelica stated she went to sleep around 0230, which is she was hearing noises coming from Stephan`s room. She
described the noises as of someone was putting stuff on a table, which in order for her to hear noises it would have to be
significant based upon the noise would have to travel through two closed doors and

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across a hallway. Angelica stated if Jennifer is awake, the television would be on or a light would be on in her room.
Which when she got home, neither were on, which led Angelica to believe Jennifer was sleeping. Angelica said she did
see the light on in Stephan`s bedroom when she got home. Angelica said she woke up around 0930 the next morning.
She eventually went downstairs to make breakfast and she seen Stephan. Angelica said Stephan was going in and out of
the house and up and down the stairs. The next time she seen Stephan was around 1330 to 1400 hours, and Stephan was
washing clothes. I asked Angelica about the sleeping arrangements, and she said all three of them would sleep together.
They made a small space for Madeline to sleep in the living room, but she didn`t like it so she would sleep with
Jennifer. I asked if she ever witnessed Stephan and Madeline go into Stephan`s bedroom by themselves, and she said
yes. Jennifer would be at the house when this occurred. Angelica said she had a conversation with Jennifer about
Stephan and Madeline going into the same room together and Jennifer would tell her that Stephan would never harm
Madeline, so she was ok with it happening. Angelica stated she had another conversation with Jennifer about her sexual
interactions or lack there of with Stephan. Angelica said they didn`t have sexual relations often and that is why she
didn`t want to be with him any longer. When Stephan was told he had to move out of the house, Angelica stated he was
not happy. Madeline did not appear to be upset with Stephan moving out of the house. I asked Angelica what
Madeline`s routine would be when she would wake up for school. Angelica said Madeline would go to her portion of
the living room and get dressed. She would eat breakfast and Jennifer would let her sleep a little while longer before
they left to school. Angelica stated she has never seen Stephan take Madeline to school. I asked Angelica how Jennifer
was acting from what happened. She said Jennifer was "bad" and she couldn`t believe this was happening.
Over the next couple weeks, I reviewed the cellular phone data that was extracted from Stephen, Jennifer and
Madeline`s phones.
Madeline`s phone revealed the following:
On 12/16/2023, at 0047 hours, Madeline sends a text message to Stephan that contained a photograph of two coins. The
Detailed information about steps in the health application for iPhone during the timeframe 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.

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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. 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. On
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.
Upon reviewing Stephan`s cellular phone download, the following was observed: On 02/26/2024 at 1212 hours, a
factory reset was done on the phone. This can only be accomplished by navigating to the settings option in the phone,
tapping general management, swipe and tap reset, the tap factory data reset, and then review the information. Once
reviewing the information is complete, swipe and tap reset. If there is a password on the phone, at this time a person
would have to enter their password. This shows that Stephan could not have accidently reset his phone, as it has nothing
to do with a phone update as he stated during his previous statements made under oath. Another factory reset was done
on Stephan`s cellular phone on 02/27/2024 at 0000 hours. This would be the timeframe of his last statements to law
enforcement and before he drove Jennifer`s car to Saint Cloud. Also, on Stephan`s cellular phone was over 1000 images
in a file Sexual in his photographs, most of these photographs are sexually graphic in nature. These images will be
described upon reviewing Stephan`s Google information. Stephan also searches Sevoflurane on two different dates:
02/12/2024 and 02/14/2024. Sevoflurane is a volatile anesthetic that provides hypnosis, amnesia, analgesia, akinesia,
and autonomic blockade during surgical and procedural interventions. Clinical uses include inhalational induction of
general anesthesia in neonatal and pediatric patients secondary to IV`s. This information was obtained by Google. It is
unknown why Stephan would be searching this item using the search terms of "show up in drug test", when he wasn`t
attempting to get a job or he didn`t have any children that were having surgery.
Upon reviewing 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"
These messages confirm what Jennifer stated during interviews, that Stephan and Madeline were alone in his

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bedroom prior to her death the following morning.
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.
I was able to search through images on Stephan`s Google account that was recovered from a lawful search warrant
submitted by the Orange County Sheriff`s Office. I observed the following videos/images of high interest:
File name: 20190702_205542-1fmeiswnlg1r6

Description: Video file depicting a pre-pubescent female resembling Sexual Offense Identity
Sexual Offense Sexual is laying next to Stephan in a bed watching cartoons on the television. Stephan is asking
Sexual to put his penis in Se mouth for three seconds as he counts. Stephan states Sexual would not be able to
play with a phone unless Se did it.
File name: 20220321_033354-1jb1fqgi03xc2
Description: Image file depicting Sexual Offense Identity Stephan is inserting his finger into Sexual Offense Identity
vagina while Sex appears to be sleeping.
File name: 20220722_041929-1jb1fjyebmj6a
Description: Image file depicting Sexual Offense Identity Stephan is inserting his penis into
Sexual Offense mouth while Se appears to be sleeping.
File name: 20220729_031723-1jb1fnykw6taq
Sexual mouth while Se appears to be sleeping.
File name: 20220802_002605-1jb1funuqisiq
Sexual mouth while Sex is underneath a blanket.
File name: 20220802_003957-1jb1fuwer72xe
Sexual vagina. Sexual identity is confirmed Sexual Offense Identity Sexual Offense Identity This same mark
is seen in several other photographs of Sexual
File name: 20220810_044831-1jb1fxdkvb0ia
Sexual anus. Sexual identity is confirmed by a This same mark is
seen in several other photographs of Sexual Offense
File name 20220815_050554-1jb1fzwhlbyaq

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Description: Image file depicting Sexual Offense Identity . Stephan is inserting his penis into
Sexual mouth while Se appears to be sleeping.
File name: 20220816_043317-1jb1g26tvo3zm
Sexual anus. Sexual identity is confirmed by a This same mark is
seen in several other photographs of Sexual Offense
File name: 20220818_043049-1jb1g3jk2f782
Sexual vagina. Sexual identity is confirmed by Sexual Offense Identity This same mark
is seen in several other photographs of Sexual Offense
There were hundreds of other images containing Sexual within Stephan`s Google account, with most of them
depicting sexual activity. A copy of Stephan`s Google account was submitted into evidence.
On March 12, 2024, at approximately 1239 hours, Detective Smallwood and I responded to Hunters Creek Middle
school to interview classmates of Madeline. We contacted Sydney Snyder, who stated she didn`t have any classes with
Madeline and would only see her in passing at school. Sydney stated she was friends with some of Madeline`s friends
and that is how she met her. Sydney stated the last time she spoke with Madeline was on 02/23/2024, when they were
talking about a boy she liked named Miguel. Sydney said she got a lot of her information from Sage, who was
Madeline`s best friend. It appeared that Sydney did not have any pertinent information regarding this case.
We then contacted Ireland Shaw, who identified herself as one of Madeline`s friends. Ireland stated Madeline was
typically a happy person, however she wouldn`t talk to her on a personal level. She knew Madeline had a birthday
party, but didn`t know who attended. Ireland confirmed Sage was Madeline`s best friend. It appeared that Ireland did
not have any pertinent information regarding this case.
On March 13, 2024, at approximately 0900 hours, Detective Pinnell and I responded to 6080 Hickory Tree Road, where
we contacted Sylvana Vester. The Kissimmee Police Department received a tip about this case that mentioned Sylvana,
who possibly had information regarding Madeline. I asked Sylvana if she could provide me with some insight on
Madeline`s family. Sylvana stated she has known the family for approximately two years, which would put Madeline
around 11 years old. Sylvana stated she would go hiking with Jennifer and Madeline in the area of Lake Lizzie (Saint
Cloud, Florida). Sylvana stated Jennifer started dating Stephan and she didn`t think very highly of him because he
didn`t have a job, and all he would spend most of his time painting figurines. I asked who would come to this area to
visit when they went hiking. Sylvana stated it would only be Jennifer and Madeline, Stephan never once went with
them. Sylvana did not know why Stephan would be in Saint Cloud, because according to her he does not have any ties
to that area.
On March 13, 2026, at approximately 1600 hours, Detective Kaluszkin and I responded to 14577 Caplock Drive,
Orlando, Florida to make contact with Sage Ellis. Sage was identified as Madeline`s best friend by multiple people.
Sage was placed under oath to obtain the following statement: I explained to Sage and her mother that was

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present, that I understood that she was previously interviewed by detectives from the Orange County Sheriff`s Office. I
had to clarify a couple of items she had previously discussed. I asked who else was at Madeline`s birthday party other
than her family. Sage stated another girl from their school, Emily, was there. Sage did not know Emily`s last name. I
asked Sage how Madeline was acting at her party, and she stated when she got there, she was kind of acting upset. But
when Emily got there, she changed her demeanor and began to act happy. I advised Sage that she had previously
mentioned her and Madeline may have been on the same menstrual cycle, meaning they got their period at or near the
same time monthly. Sage clarified that Madeline got her period in January, but she didn`t know if she got her period in
February or not. Sage then explained that Madeline was upset because some of her friends cancelled going to her party
the day before. Sage assumed Madeline was upset at the party because Jennifer was not there. Sage stated whenever she
woke up, she would always have text messages from Madeline. This would occur everyday according to Sage. But Sage
did not receive a message from Madeline on 02/26/2024.
On 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.
On March 15, 2024, at approximately 0941 hours, 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.
On March 20, 2024, at approximately 1356 hours, 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 1200 hours, 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.
On 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.
On March 29, 2024, I received the case synopsis from the medical examiner`s office. Dr. Giles ruled the cause of

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death as strangulation and the manner of death is homicide.
On 04/10/2024, at 1453 hours. 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.
On April 11, 2024, I 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.
On April 12, 2024, I 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.
On 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.
On 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.
On April 18, 2024, at approximately 0830 hours, 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

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Offense: HOMICIDE

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.
Jennifer stated Madeline takes Hydroxyzine and MiraLax. Jennifer stated since Madeline has been staying with her
mother, she hasn`t been taking the MiraLax consistently. Will asked Jennifer if Madeline normally sets out her clothes
the night before and if she makes the decision in the morning. Jennifer stated the decision is typically made in the
morning. Jennifer stated since she knew Stephan was going to be taking Madeline to school, she asked her to set out
clothes to have everything ready to go. Jennifer did not know if Madeline took clothes with her upstairs to Stephan`s
bedroom. Jennifer states she does not have any further communication with Stephan or Madeline after the last text from
Stephan stating Madeline has built her nest. The next time Jennifer sees Stephan is when he is trying to put the leash on
their dog in the morning time of 02/26/2024. Jennifer states she does not use her phone or gets up during the night
because she was sleeping the entire night. Jennifer confirmed that she only got up out of bed when Stephan was trying
to put the leash on the dog, but Stephan told her to go back to bed, so she laid back down and went to sleep. Jennifer
said she heard someone in the kitchen, but did not know who it was. Will asked Jennifer if Madeline would have come
into her room to tell her goodbye when she left for school. Jennifer stated she would have hoped she would have.
Jennifer said she is woken up by her alarm clock that was set for 0900 hours. Jennifer stated she didn`t remember if she
saw anyone that morning, but she thinks she may have seen one of her roommates. Jennifer stated she didn`t receive any
communication from Madeline the morning of 02/26/2024. Jennifer stated the first time she communicated with
Stephan was approximately 1000 hours, when he told her that he left his phone at the house. Stephan told Jennifer that
Madeline had a good morning and that he was going to take her to McDonalds, but she changed her mind and all she
wanted to do was sleep in the car. Jennifer was asked to confirm if she went anywhere else when she left to go to her
doctor`s appointment and she said no. Jennifer said she was supposed to have another appointment later that day but
canceled it due to the cost of the appointment. Jennifer said when she got home Stephan was at the residence. She said
Stephan was wearing a red shirt with some sort of graphic on it. Jennifer said Stephan was acting normal. He told her
after he dropped Madeline off at school he went to the vape store and they were not open. He said he waited a while
then left and drove around before going back to the residence. Stephan then told Jennifer that he was going to run a few
more errands somewhere on Highway 192, and she asked him if he was going to be back in time to go get Madeline
from school. Stephan told her that he would be back by 1430 hours. While they were speaking in Jennifer`s bedroom,
that is when Stephan told Jennifer that he accidently did a factory reset on his phone. Stephan then leaves the residence
and Jennifer stays home. Jennifer then starts to call and text Stephan to see if he was going to be home soon to go get
Madeline from school, but he doesn`t respond. Shortly after Jennifer leaves to go get Madeline, Stephan calls Jennifer
and tells him that he accidently left his phone at home again. Jennifer said at some point during the morning she was
putting stuff away and noticed Madeline`s phone on her dresser, so she picked it up and brought it with her to the
school. Will asked Jennifer why she asked Stephan to help her with Madeline while she was training at work. Jennifer
said if Madeline stays with her mother, she doesn`t get to see her much. So, if Stephan watched Madeline, she would be
able to see her more at home. Jennifer was asked if she knew the plans about getting McDonalds in the morning of
02/26/2024. Jennifer said they talked about it the night

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Offense: HOMICIDE

before, but they didn`t talk about when they would leave the residence. Will asked Jennifer if Madeline ever had side
effects of the hydroxyzine, and she said if Madeline took the medication later than normal she would feel sluggish. Will
then asked Jennifer why she let Stephan still stay in the home after they ended their relationship. Jennifer stated she
considered Stephan as one of her best friends. Jennifer said she didn`t want to see him revert back to his mental health
issues like he has previously. Will then asked Jennifer about Madeline`s sleeping habits. Jennifer stated Madeline would
sleep with her a majority of the time, and when Stephan began staying there, the three of them would sleep in the same
bed. Jennifer stated Madeline never wanted to sleep alone in her bedroom. Jennifer couldn`t remember how many times
she left Madeline sleep with Stephan alone in his bedroom. Jennifer stated she allowed it because she trusted Stephan,
and he treated her as his daughter. When Jennifer stated she and Stephan ended their relationship, Madeline had an idea
but never spoke about it. Jennifer said she spoke with Stephan about possibly moving back to help him get on his feet,
but she didn`t know if it was going to be permanent or temporary. Will asked Jennifer if she knew that Sexual Offense Identity
Sexual Offense Stephan prior to the interview at the Orange County Sheriff`s Office and she said no. Will stated
Jennifer text Madeline`s father about not wanting her to be filmed underneath bathroom doors. Jennifer stated she had
just heard a story about someone filming in bathrooms on an airplane. Jennifer was asked why Stephan didn`t take her
car to take Madeline to school and she said that Stephan was not on her insurance, so she didn`t want to take that risk.
Will asked Jennifer again if she ever seen Madeline the morning of 02/26/2024, and she said not. Jennifer also stated
that she didn`t know about how she died. I asked Jennifer how many times Stephan came to Kissimmee after he moved
out and she said two to three times. Jennifer also stated bedroom four was empty, but there were white colored sheets
that was on his bed, but she didn`t know if Stephan used any other blankets.
On April 22, 2024, I 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 Sexual was in any of those images.
The hard drive was not used since 2020, and it did not contain anything of evidentiary value.
On April 24, 2024, this case was brought before a grand jury and Stephan Sterns was indicted on First Degree Pre
Meditated Murder.
On 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.

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Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: SMALLWOOD, C. E. (803) Date / Time: 05/13/2024 09:39:13, Monday

Supervisor: ILLGEN, B. J. (650) Supervisor Review Date / Time: 05/13/2024 09:58:26, Monday
On February 26, 2024, at approximately 2000 hours, 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 provided a sworn written statement to Orange County deputies summarized as follows: On 02/26/2024, at
approximately 0800 hours, Jennifer saw Madeline getting ready for school. Jennifer stated Stephan Sterns took her to
school and dropped her off about a block away from 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 went to Hunters Creek Middle School around 1600 hours to pick
Madeline up but she never came out of the school. Jennifer stated she checked the area and then went to her mother`s
office, which is located near the school, but could not locate her.
Deputy Joseph from the Orange County Sheriff`s Office contacted the on-call Domestic Crimes Detective, who
investigate missing persons, who advised to send the report to the Missing Persons squad.
On February 27, 2024, Detective Hunt from the Orange County Sheriff`s Office was assigned the case. Therefore,
Detective Hunt began his investigation. Detective Hunt interviewed Jennifer and Stephan during the initial phase of his
investigation. During these interviews, Detective Hunt noticed some inconsistencies in their statements.
Later, Detective Tagler from the Orange County Sheriff`s Office arrived on scene and was asked to assist with
interviewing Stephan. Detective Tagler would eventually become the lead investigator for the Orange County Sheriff`s
Office case. Detective Tagler interviewed Stephan at 4012 Santa Maria Drive. See Detective Tagler`s supplement for
further details.
On February 27, 2024, at approximately 2100 hours, I, Detective Smallwood responded to 4012 Santa Maria Drive
Apartment 107 to assist Detective Hunt and the Orange County Sheriff`s Office with the investigation. At the time of
my arrival, Jennifer, Stephan, and their roommates were out of the residence and the residence was secured pending a
search warrant.
On February 28, 2024, the search warrant for the residence was executed. During the execution of the warrant,
information was discovered from Stephan`s cellphone and it was also discovered Stephan never dropped Madeline off
at school. At that time, Detective Morris was assigned as the lead investigator on the case and the investigation was
turned over to the Kissimmee Police Department.
On February 29, 2024, I was assigned to assist Detective Morris as secondary throughout the investigation.
On February 29, 2024, Detective Savelli and I responded to 1369 Boulder Drive, Kissimmee, Florida. At the residence,
we met with Mariely Alejandro for an interview. Mariely provided a sworn verbal statement summarized as follows:
Mariely saw a Facebook post regarding the disappearance of Madeline and recognized Jennifer in the post. Mariely
knew of Jennifer because she dated Stephan in the past. The next morning, a friend from Mariely`s job advised her there
was an arrest involving the investigation and that the person was Stephan Sterns. Mariely

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Offense: HOMICIDE

explained she dated Stephan in the past and contacted the Orange County Sheriff`s Office to provide any information
that may help in the investigation. In 2022, Mariely and Stephan were in a brief intimate relationship. During that
relationship, Mariely would invite Stephan to spend the night with her at her house but Stephan would refuse. Stephan
told Mariely that he needed to stay at Jennifer`s house because Jennifer and Madeline could not sleep without him there.
He further explained, specifically Madeline would not sleep if he wasn`t there and advised he would sleep in the bed
with Jennifer and Madeline. Mariely displayed her discomfort of the sleeping situations but Stephan continued to live
and stay with Jennifer and Madeline. Mariely ended their relationship not long after finding out this information.
I asked Mariely about their intimate relationship more in depth. She disclosed that Stephan had a tough time having an
erection. Mariely described one "very weird" occasion where Stephan had her lay face down completely flat, as if she
was "dead" and had sexual intercourse with her. Mariely said that was the only time he was very erect. I asked Mariely
if Stephan ever disclosed being sexual with Sexual but he never did. See full audio for further details.
On March 1, 2024, Detective O`Malley and I interviewed Jennifer Soto at the Orange County Sheriff`s Office. Jennifer
provided a sworn verbal statement summarized as follows: Detective O`Malley asked Jennifer to explain the timeline of
events beginning with Sunday, February 25, 2024. Jennifer stated she was working at Disney while Madeline was
having her birthday party. Jennifer was advised that Madeline was dropped off at Jennifer`s house by a family member
and shortly after Stephan arrived at her house. Jennifer stated Stephan called her to let her know he was there with
Madeline and Madeline was getting ready for bed. Jennifer arrived home from work around 2230 hours. Jennifer began
her nighttime routine and realized she did not take her medication from the night before. Jennifer asked Madeline and
Stephan if they could sleep upstairs together, so Jennifer could get a "good night sleeps." Jennifer explained that
Madeline is difficult to sleep with at times because she constantly moves in her sleep. Around 2300 hours, Madeline
and Stephan went upstairs to for bed.
On Monday, Stephan woke Jennifer up because he came into her bedroom to walk the dog. Jennifer stated she heard
noises in the kitchen but did not know who it was. Jennifer went back to sleep after Stephan took the dog out. Jennifer
stated she never saw Madeline on Monday morning. Around 0900 hours, Jennifer woke up and got ready for her doctors
appointment. Jennifer left her house around 0930-0945 hours for the appointment. Around 1100 hours, Jennifer finished
the appointment and returned home. When she arrived, Stephan was already there. Stephan apologized for leaving his
cellphone while he took Madeline to school. He further elaborated, he and Madeline had a good morning and that she
slept most of the way to school. Jennifer stated Stephan was acting "normal" at the house and nothing appeared unusual
during their interaction. At one point, Stephan told her that he factory reset his phone while trying to update his phone.
Shortly after, Stephan told Jennifer he was going to go shopping at some gaming stores but he would be back in time to
go pick up Madeline with her. Around 1430 hours, Jennifer still had not heard from Stephan, so she left on her own to
go pick up Madeline from school. Approximately 10 minutes after leaving her house, Stephan called Jennifer and stated
he left his cellphone again while he was gone shopping.
Jennifer arrived at Hunter`s Creek Middle School and was the first in line to pick up Madeline. Jennifer said she

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Offense: HOMICIDE

heard the bell ring but did not see Madeline come outside. This was not normal for Madeline. She waited a couple
minutes then finally left and drove to her mother`s business, which is a couple blocks down the road to look for
Madeline. Madeline was not at the business when Jennifer arrived there. Jennifer reached out to some of Madeline`s
friends to see if she was at school, which they replied they hadn`t seen her all day. Jennifer also contacted the school to
check on Madeline`s attendance, which also showed her as absent all day.
At this point, Jennifer becomes worrisome and calls Stephan to ask him if he dropped Madeline off at school and
advised him that she never showed up. Stephan tells Jennifer that he is on the way to her mom`s office to help.
Eventually, a call is placed to the Orange County Sheriff`s Office to report Madeline missing. After meeting with
deputies and completing the report, Jennifer and Stephan return to her residence for the night. Jennifer said she took her
medication and ate some food. Stephan told Jennifer he was going to go "cruising" to look for Madeline, and Jennifer
questioned him if that was a good idea. Stephan told Jennifer he was going to look up and down "192" for Madeline.
192 is a United States highway that runs east and west through central Florida.
Tuesday, February 28th, as Stephan slept, Jennifer began making phone calls to the national hotline for missing and
exploited children about Madeline. Jennifer also contacted local news stations to put the information out to the public.
Soon after, news reporters came to Jennifer`s residence and completed an interview with both Jennifer and Stephan.
Detective Hunt responded to Jennifer`s residence for follow up interviews with Jennifer and Stephan. Detective Hunt
received consent from Stephan to review his cellphone. During this, Jennifer and Stephan were inside her vehicle
outside her residence because the residence was secured pending a search warrant. Jennifer stated as they were waiting
in her vehicle Stephan became "very anxious" and "very panicky" because he wanted his cellphone back. Jennifer
eventually, gave him her phone and he started trying to login into his emails but was unsuccessful due to a two-way
authentication issue. I asked Jennifer what the conversation was like between her and Stephan while they waited in her
vehicle, which she stated they discussed how law enforcement was focusing on Stephan, "the wrong guy." From there,
Jennifer and Stephan contacted Chris Sterns to notify him on the situation and ask for assistance with a hotel room for
the night. They met Chris at a hotel by Disney where they stayed for the night.
On Wednesday, February 29, Jennifer and Stephan met with detectives at the Orange County Sheriff`s Office for a press
conference. Jennifer eventually learned that Stephan left the hotel Tuesday night and traveled to Northport, Florida for
unknown reasons.
Throughout the interview, Jennifer continues to deny any involvement in the disappearance of Madeline. She also
denied any knowledge of the Sexual Offense Identity was suffering. See full audio for further details.
I continued to assist Detective Morris throughout the investigation. See Detective Morris` narrative for further.
This report will be forwarded to the State Attorney`s Office for review.

Page 76

Offense: HOMICIDE


Page 77

Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: MORRIS, M. J. (515) Date / Time: 05/14/2024 07:35:55, Tuesday

Supervisor: DIEHL, E. (588) Supervisor Review Date / Time: 05/14/2024 07:47:23, Tuesday
On May 14, 2024, at 1403 hours, Stephan makes a telephone call to Chris Sterns (941-777-2545). Chris puts the call on
speaker phone so Stephan could speak to him and his wife at the same time. Debra told Stephan someone put on
YouTube that he wasn`t at Madeline`s party. Stephan states he had not made it there in time and everything was going
good after he got to the house. 8 minutes and 32 seconds into the call, Stephan states "There is no reason for anything
that, to happen that happened". Chris then asked Stephan about the events of 02/28/2024, meaning why did Stephan
drive to Northport, Florida. Stephan stated "I had wanted to grab a few things. And um, get my ducks in a row. Kinda
prepare myself for whatever was coming, but I couldn`t find what I was looking for". This is during the time Stephan
tried logging into his Google account using his parents Wi-Fi, but was unsuccessful. It is believed that Stephan was
attempting to log into his Google account to delete the images and videos of his sexually abusing Sexual Chris tells
Stephan he wished they could understand how this whole situation came about and Stephan replies "Well I didn`t start
it". Chris told Stephan he participated in it, and Stephan says "yeah". At no point during the conversation did Stephan
deny he murdered Madeline.
A copy of the phone call was submitted into Evidence.com.

Page 78

Offense: HOMICIDE
Investigator: DIEHL, E. (588) Date / Time: 05/14/2024 07:55:27, Tuesday

Supervisor: ILLGEN, B. J. (650) Supervisor Review Date / Time: 05/15/2024 13:03:37, Wednesday
On 2/27/2024 at 2102 hours, I Detective Corporal E. Diehl, was the on-call CID supervisor.
I received a call advising that Orange County Sheriff`s Detectives were requesting mutual aid at 4012 Santa Maria Ave
Apt 107 in reference to a missing 13-year-old girl, Madeline Soto. I had Detective Smallwood go to the scene to assist.
Detective Smallwood went to the scene and it was determined, based on the information at that time, the Orange County
Sheriff`s Office had jurisdiction and would keep the case.
After further investigation over the next 2 days, it was determined that the Kissimmee Police Department would take
over the investigation.
On 3/1/2024, I was tasked with going to Venetian Bay subdivision office to collect a copy of videos. When I arrived, I
made contact with staff who showed me to the security DVR. There was an error with download so all of the videos
were not downloaded. Due to the potential of losing the evidence, I spoke with management at Venetian Bay, Carlos
Cassidy. I advised Carlos of the issue with the download and he consented to me taking the DVR to Orange County
Sheriff`s Office to be downloaded. Carlos provided a sworn written statement advising such. I collected the DVR and
transported it to Orange County Sheriff`s Office were it was turned over to their forensic team for download.
On 3/4/2024, I was advised that the DVR download was completed. I retrieved the DVR from the Orange County
Sheriff`s Office. I then returned it to Venetian Bay office.
On 3/11/2024, I was tasked with completing the following warrants:0
Warrant Date Submitted Date Approved Judge Approved by Date Served Date Returned
Stephan Fingerprints 3/14/2024 3/14/2024 Judge John Beamer 3/15/2024 3/18/2024
Stephan Instagram 3/27/2024 3/27/2024 Judge Tina Caraballo 3/27/2024 4/8/2024
Madeline Instagram 3/27/2024 3/27/2024 Judge Tina Caraballo 3/27/2024 4/8/2024
Stephan Facebook 4/8/2024 4/8/2024 Judge Wayne Wooten 4/8/2024 4/19/2024
All data was provided to Detective Morris.
This is a supplement to the original and forwarded to the SAO for review.

Page 79
Public Records Exemptions
Enclosed please find a copy of the response documents for your public
records request. The following information is provided to explain the
process employed to review and produce the response documents.
Reason Description Pages
5, 32, 54, 56,

Sexual F.S. 119.071(2)(h)(1)(b) - Any information that 57, 59, 61,
Offense reveals the identity of a victim of a sexual offense is 64, 66-69,
Identity confidential and exempt. 73, 75, 76,
78
F.S. 365.171(12)(a) - Information revealing the
E911
identity or phone of a person reporting an
System 8, 50-51
emergency by accessing the E911 system is
Identification
confidential and exempt.
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Stephen Sterns - Documents Released by Kissimmee PD Regarding The Investigation Into Madeline Sotos Murder

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Kissimmee Police Department

Incident Case Number: 24-001896

Disclaimer: The information contained within this report is

VYR Make Model Style Color Lic/Lis VIN

Officer/ID# POPP, C. C. (CID, CAU) (637)

Additional Name List

1) IO 2 DESTEFANO, BRITTANY ANN 01/20/1984 40 W F

2) IO 3 CARRIS, THOMAS PALMER 12/19/2000 23 W M

3) IO 5 VESTER, SYLVANA M 01/10/1965 59 W F

4) IO 7 NIGRO GUERRERO, ANGELICA LILIANA 05/14/1991 32 W F

5) IO 8 ROSERO, NATHALIE 06/10/1990 33 W F

6) IO 6 ROSKA, WALTER ROMAN 04/23/1952 72 W M

7) IO 9 STERNS, CHRISTOPHER WALKER 07/23/1951 72 W M

8) IO 10 STERNS, DEBRA ANN 05/10/1952 71 W F

9) IO 4 PERALTA, FRANK EARL 06/16/1990 33 W M

R_CS7NC Printed By: GHAMID, 25388 06/13/2024 14:01 Page 3

UCR Status Quantity Type Measure Suspected Type Up to 3 types of activity

Suspect Hate / Bias Motivated:

R_CS2IBR By: GHAMID, 25388 06/13/2024 14:01 Page 4

Name (Last, First, Middle) Also Known As Home Address

Weapon, Type Feature Make Model Color Caliber Dir of Travel

Notes Physical Char

R_CS8IBR Printed By: GHAMID, 25388 06/13/2024 14:01 Page 6

Property Description Make Model Caliber

R_CS0IBR Printed By: GHAMID, 25388 06/13/2024 14:01 Page 7

Kissimmee Police Department OCA: 24001896

Investigator: ANGELO, L. S. (866) Date / Time: 03/02/2024 14:01:49, Saturday

I provided a link to James to upload the video to Evidnce.com, which he did.

Investigator Signature Supervisor Signature

Kissimmee Police Department OCA: 24001896

Investigator: REYES SOTO, R. (749) Date / Time: 03/04/2024 09:30:56, Monday

Investigator Signature Supervisor Signature

Kissimmee Police Department OCA: 24001896

Investigator: CAREY, V. L. (917) Date / Time: 03/04/2024 16:59:38, Monday

I had no previous knowledge of this case.

I had no other involvement in this case.

Investigator Signature Supervisor Signature

Kissimmee Police Department OCA: 24001896

Investigator: CROOK, T. W. (814) Date / Time: 03/12/2024 10:36:32, Tuesday

2250 San Vital DR

2260 San Vital DR

Investigator Signature Supervisor Signature

Kissimmee Police Department OCA: 24001896

Investigator: CROOK, T. W. (814) Date / Time: 03/12/2024 10:36:32, Tuesday

2270 San Vital DR

4006 Santa Maria DR

4010 Santa Maria DR

Investigator Signature Supervisor Signature

Kissimmee Police Department OCA: 24001896

Investigator: CROOK, T. W. (814) Date / Time: 03/12/2024 10:36:32, Tuesday

4012 Santa Maria DR

4014 Santa Maria DR

This concludes my involvement in this case.

Investigator Signature Supervisor Signature

Kissimmee Police Department OCA: 24001896

Investigator: CROOK, T. W. (814) Date / Time: 03/12/2024 10:36:32, Tuesday

Investigator Signature Supervisor Signature

Kissimmee Police Department OCA: 24001896

Investigator: BREUER, C. D. (598) Date / Time: 03/12/2024 15:38:37, Tuesday