FL MADELINE SOTO: Missing from Orlando, FL - 26 Feb 2024 - Age 13 *Found Deceased*

Madeline Soto missing: Florida mom begs for daughter's safe return home

A mother in Orange County is begging for help locating her missing daughter.

www.fox35orlando.com

Madeline Soto missing: Florida mom begs for daughter's safe return home​

A mother in Orange County is begging for help locating her missing daughter.

Madeline ‘Maddie’ Soto was last seen on Monday, one day after she and her family celebrated her 13th birthday. Maddie’s mother, Jenn Soto, said surveillance video shows Maddie hanging out in a church parking lot on February 26 after being dropped off for school, but she never made it inside.

"I’m trying to hope for the best, but I’m scared for her," said Jenn Soto. "I want her to be okay; I want her to be safe… I don’t want her to come back harmed. I just want her back – whatever that means, I just want her back."

Jenn Soto said sheriff’s deputies are using K9s and a piece of Maddie’s clothing to try to track her scent near Town Loop Boulevard.

According to Jenn Soto, Maddie had never run away before. She said the teen had forgotten her cell phone at home that morning, but that was normal.

As of Wednesday morning, a variety of search teams are out searching for Maddie.


MEDIA - MADELINE SOTO: Missing from Orlando, FL - 26 Feb 2024 - Age 13

 

[GrandmaBear]

She said they (not sure she meant the school or LE) tried to trace it but it didn't ping.

Just that it appears to me that the police wanted to give it time, that Madeline may not actually have been a missing person, yet the mother's 911 call at 4:45 tells me that the mother did not believe she had gone anywhere on her own accord.
And I don't think the mother as you've said, "pointed" to the phone.
I think she mentioned the phone in her interview because there'd been the idea that the circumstance of Madeline's phone left at home might indicate she'd left on her own accord and didn't want to be traced and so that's why in her interview, she acknowledged that circumstance and explained why she wouldn't interpret it that way.

No, I don't know anything surrounding 8:30 and if you'll recall, I question whether the mother actually said she "observed" Madeline getting dressed at 8.

I don't know how it is that Madeline's body is visible in the car but I think Sterns caused her death (we don't know how) before he discarded her belongings at 7:35.
And I've already said this but I think he returned with her body because he either didn't think he had a good enough excuse to be gone much longer and/or he didn't know yet where and/or what he'd do with her body.

I haven't heard the grandma's interview but yeah, it'd be really nice if circumstances were more clear!

I don't know if she pointed to the phone or not but she definitely was giving what seemed to be his version of what happened that day/morning. Which may well be natural, it is what she knew. Could be, might not be.

Yeah she was 13, a text about living in the woods and LE may have told mom or vice versa maybe she ran away and so on. She could also be the one who decided not to do a formal filing right away either based on what she was told (frequency of kids running away at that age) or for other reasons. It's impossible to say at this point. IF she knew anything, that hcall could have been simply to ensure she was a parent who immediately reported her missing on her supposed realization. I can play this one either way, she knew nothing or she full well knew is all I'm saying.

Yeah the 8:30 remark I've never seen proof of BUT the 8:00 a.m. getting dressed I am pretty sure the news played it--like many news stations where they'll do an hour/s long interview and save some to keep getting hits from the public when they play new parts over days or weeks, I think that's fact that Jen said that. It's out there. The 8:30 one though I've never seen proof of. They asked her when she last saw her and that's when the getting dressed came up. HOWEVER, with the other remark that people latch onto to say she lied, they asked about her last conversation with her, NOT when she last saw her. And what they talked of, etc.

If Sterns caused her death before disposing of her things, then mom is in trouble because she did say she saw her getting dressed at 8ish. So if you think that, then mom can't be innocent of at least lying to help him.

I agree with his returning to be likely he was planning a SHORT window of time so that when investigated he was not gone too long to drop her off, etc.

I've heard two interviews from grandma. The second one I heard was the Telemundo one, although it happened first. Both were translated and I linked above. a ways back. On top of it Plunder translated some again to try to ensure which each meant and if things could be taken various ways.

Grandma said he was not there the night before and they weren't together and she had no idea why he was that morning or why he was taking Maddie, etc.

I can go either way and that's why I haven't yet. I also can go either way on whether she was killed before or once they left. If she was killed before, then mom Is certainly in hot water if she couldn't have seen her getting dressed that morning.

And at that point, I will have an opinion that changes big time.

So to believe that, one has to believe mom is lying for him. I DO THINK it possible he killed her once leaving though and threw her stuff prior. Just a few more tidbits of info by LE would clear this up...

She was, I thought I had heard it and saw something again, apparently in a seated position in the vehicle. That would have to be pretty hard to do if killed prior, not impossible but fairly difficult. There is some reason LE was sure she was dead and not sleeping, etc. And while they have been careful with what they said, they did come right out and shared that which isn't necessarily typical, so I'd say they are sure by SOME reason or evidence, to inform the public of that, and pretty early on as well.

 

[GrandmaBear]

My feeling from grandma is a total lack of understanding why Jen would have Stephan there at all, have called him, had him take Maddie, etc.

I wish they'd clear up of whether just Jenn and Maddie lived int his home or some of the family as well. I'm starting to think it is where the party was and she lived with family. I have NO IDEA if that's true or not but there's reasont o wonder and think that.

If you watch my most recent link, Jen had gotten married (not to Maddie's dad, but to a Steven or Stephan-this one or another...?) and she's a Disney person or fan and has lived in this home for a long time since traffic tickets show the address.... Marriage was quickly dissolved not long after and I think she filed indigency or something like that so how she afforded the place throughout is certainly a question. Watching Gray with the friends on adds things as well as to whether Stephan and Jen were together and when and where living and more. It also adds to the confusion though of course.

 

[Regina]

I don't know if she pointed to the phone or not but she definitely was giving what seemed to be his version of what happened that day/morning.

Right, from the beginning, it was apparent that she didn't have firsthand knowledge as to where Madeline was dropped off or even when. As for her certainty that Madeline was seen on video, well, she obviously believed it was true.

Yeah the 8:30 remark I've never seen proof of BUT the 8:00 a.m. getting dressed I am pretty sure the news played it--like many news stations where they'll do an hour/s long interview and save some to keep getting hits from the public when they play new parts over days or weeks, I think that's fact that Jen said that. It's out there. The 8:30 one though I've never seen proof of. They asked her when she last saw her and that's when the getting dressed came up. HOWEVER, with the other remark that people latch onto to say she lied, they asked about her last conversation with her, NOT when she last saw her. And what they talked of, etc.

If Sterns caused her death before disposing of her things, then mom is in trouble because she did say she saw her getting dressed at 8ish. So if you think that, then mom can't be innocent of at least lying to help him.

Well, I'll have to go back to see if 8:30 comes from the Incident Report- it seems I tend to forget info I've disregarded- but yeah, I remember you pointed out that last spoke is not the same as last seen. (Good point, btw!) I'd like to point out that it can be the same time and so if it wasn't, I'd expect she'd have said so.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Right, from the beginning, it was apparent that she didn't have firsthand knowledge as to where Madeline was dropped off or even when. As for her certainty that Madeline was seen on video, well, she obviously believed it was true.


Well, I'll have to go back to see if 8:30 comes from the Incident Report- it seems I tend to forget info I've disregarded- but yeah, I remember you pointed out that last spoke is not the same as last seen. (Good point, btw!) I'd like to point out that it can be the same time and so if it wasn't, I'd expect she'd have said so.

The 8:30 thing I only heard once but I'm certain it was somewhere who is always or should be "responsible" or claims to be, like former LE who don't do rumor, actual news stations like the one who interviewed or it may have even been Court TV... I'd never heard that and it came from the show, whatever I was watching. It was not some rumor in chat or anything, that she said. They said they left around 8:30 (Stephan and Maddie) for school.

Just now in typing that, I am certain it came from the interviewing station/reporter from such. 99 percent. I recall thinking, is this more of the interview you have unshared that you've never shared/put out yet? I've seen that many times and assume you have. They save things to get more shows and future interest from long interviews. I also wondered if it was a slip or intended to stir things. And I've never heard it since... Don't get me wrong, HER source could be from LE or incident report or something rather than their interview. Pretty certain it was the woman the more I am talking of it here right now. I did not hear it out of Jen's mouth but the reporter's. And she may have been on something like Court TV, that I can't recall.

It HIT because that really sews in the timeline and makes mom questionable IF she saw her getting dressed at 8ish and then they left at around 8:30 because he's already left with Maddie and was seen on video coming back with her allegedly dead between these two times mom said IF mom said the 8:30 thing.

Giving his story in the beginning is one thing when she didn't know where he dropped her and those details and so on, but lying for him is another, IF she is doing such.

The other thing IF both are true and were said by mom, that it does, is show she was up I assume from at least 8 to 8:30. I'd thought maybe her seeing her getting dressed at 8 was just something she saw before maybe going back to bed after using the bathroom or something...

I don't get the need for him to take her to school in that case IF what grandma said is correct. If mom was up, she could have done so...

Per grandma, this was not the normal and she didn't understand it... In the Telemundo one.

I've not convincted her yet but I'm also not sold on her innocence any longer... I am most definitely on a wait and see. He wasn't there overnight to listen to the grandma, only the next morning... It was Jen who was with her. IF that's true, that means if he killed her, it likely had to be that morning...

 

[Regina]

The Incident Report says that the mother observed Madeline getting dressed at approx 8 and it seems to say (lol!) that they left at 8:30.
It goes on to say Sterns said he dropped her off between 8:25 and 8:40.
So based on what I know and understand about Sterns- that among other things, he's a very devious, manipulative individual- I think that's what he told the mother, that Madeline was getting dressed at 8 and that they left at 8:30 and she believed him.
Bottom line, I'd have to read her written statement before I'd believe she said she saw Madeline that morning.
Here again, I'd like to know what his excuse was for leaving an hour prior to school starting and btw, I think your suggestion that it was to go for vape might very well be it!

 

[GrandmaBear]

The Incident Report says that the mother observed Madeline getting dressed at approx 8 and it seems to say (lol!) that they left at 8:30.
It goes on to say Sterns said he dropped her off between 8:25 and 8:40.
So based on what I know and understand about Sterns- that among other things, he's a very devious, manipulative individual- I think that's what he told the mother, that Madeline was getting dressed at 8 and that they left at 8:30 and she believed him.
Bottom line, I'd have to read her written statement before I'd believe she said she saw Madeline that morning.
Here again, I'd like to know what his excuse was for leaving an hour prior to school starting and btw, I think your suggestion that it was to go for vape might very well be it!

Yeah, it is a big difference for me whether she said SHE saw her and saw them leave or said that's what she understands to have been the case. If she actually lied for him and claimed sight of her herself, then she's guilty of at least obstruction if not something more.

So with these time frames, his return at 8:19 (wasn't it?) with her dead doesn't work very well.

Yeah I think the vape thing is possible. It's just normal enough sounding to be a possibility

As for leaving early, it was claimed early on that Maddie wanted to be at school early. I forget where it came from but recall it.

 

[Regina]

As for leaving early, it was claimed early on that Maddie wanted to be at school early. I forget where it came from but recall it.

I've never heard that but it makes no sense to me that she'd want to be there early yet want to be dropped off elsewhere.

 

[Regina]

Yeah, it is a big difference for me whether she said SHE saw her and saw them leave or said that's what she understands to have been the case.

I think another reason to doubt that the mother said she observed Madeline getting dressed is because she was asked what Madeline was wearing and she said "she was last seen wearing...", which tells me she didn't see her dress nor saw her when she left.

 

[GrandmaBear]

I've never heard that but it makes no sense to me that she'd want to be there early yet want to be dropped off elsewhere.

I agree and thought the same. Probably a lie anyhow. Don't quote me but I believe it came from mom or creepy bf. I don't know if it was first facts or info given by LE or where it came from or from news that came from LE or some such but it definitely was said, or said to have been said and I don't do FB etc. and at that point hadn't watched anything that wouldn't have been that kind of source on it, LE, family or news.

It would though perhaps confirm a need to leave early for some reason and excuse for doing so... Not that early is early as in how some of us think of early. I was shocked to hear of a 9:30 school start time, never heard of such. Pickup time too was late compared to when schools around here would be.

Well we know now they never went and both wanting to be dropped off elsewhere and wanting to be there early are likely lies.

 

[GrandmaBear]

I think another reason to doubt that the mother said she observed Madeline getting dressed is because she was asked what Madeline was wearing and she said "she was last seen wearing...", which tells me she didn't see her dress nor saw her when she left.

I can kind of see how you are looking at that but not entirely and not sure I agree. I don't disagree but I don't think it is a certainty. The experts that have been fair to her say she doesn't communicate in the same way as maybe most do or something on that order.

You are also thinking she didnt' say it but LE says she did, do they not? I have to for the moment lean towards LE on this one as both bodycams are becoming standard as are recorded interviews. Not with all of course but we see a lot more we can count on it these days than just a couple of years ago.

I lean towards she did say she saw her because I am taking the LE word for it at the moment and that's why I try to make it work that it could be true.

I'd also add that news first and now everyone is giving so much heat over the fact she said she talked to her the night before but saw her last that morning as if lies, that one would think LE would come out and clear that part up if untrue just to stop the wild public hanging most out there want to give the mother.

You did say it was in the incident report right? And I agree, I've seen a ton of lousy incident reports in my life but this is a bit different of a case than those I saw and they were back when more wasn't expected and no body cams etc.

Who knows.

I don't think though her seeing her get dressed would exclude her saying what she was last seen wearing when giving that info for the public. In fact if I look at it the way you are and she said it, it would show she was lying when she said it IF she indeed said it. If that made any sense lol. I think I put it right.

 

[GrandmaBear]

My God I am tired. But this was SOOOO well worth watching. What a wonderful panel of women and what good discussion. I love the show because the host doesn't really opine and unlike many news shows, there is no cutting a guest off when sharing something and so on. Don't get me wrong, his mom is going to be on Vinnie tomorrow.

All of these women were great guests about child sexual abuse and more and great insight and experience AND one said, all her experience in it, they don't change.

I'm not overly into statisitics and stuff but here even that stuff was interesting because it isn't just some skewed thing that anyone can do this way or that way to skew the results.

it was EXCEPTIONAL, both with questions about this case in particular but a lot of ones about such things at all. I'm tired as heck but it was well worthwhile. I've rarely been disappointed in this show, not sure I ever have been honestly. Great guests AND he lets them talk, no one minute and done.

The stuff about Florida law was REALLY interesting as well. Not just new law by DeSantis but past law still in effect.

The DP can be given to Stearns just for the sexual crimes AND it takes only eigh tof twelve jurors to agree!

And the one Florida woman who knows about this is actually a defense atty. She also cited an older law based on a case of one child with nothing to do with today's changes. There is nothing though that way about the show or political, it is all about predators and protecting your kids or grandkids even and don't ever think you are immune.

Man it was a great discussion with some great info. I didn't have time for it but just a ways in couldn't not watch all of it.

Also touched on is how not just parents but even the public doesn't want to believe such at some times. Oh no, not the coaach of my boiy, he wouldn't do that to another boy. he's a rock solid member of the community. And we know him and go to dinner with him and his wife....

I am paraphrasing but there was so much in here and that is just an example of even a community, other teachers, NO, he's a GREAT teacher, he's everyone's favorite. And examples given.

But the conversation ranged from like mom not seeing it or if she did staying with him (any case) to laws to just everything about such. The one guest too said everyone and parents go on about the sex registry and does she check it or is she worried about it and the answer was very much like no, because most of the people to worry about ARE NOT the ONES on the registry or ever will be. Again I am paraphrasing. But a GREAT watch.

 

[Regina]

I agree and thought the same. Probably a lie anyhow. Don't quote me but I believe it came from mom or creepy bf.

Well I don't know why you believe that, I mean, I didn't see it in the Incident Report nor did I hear either the mother or Sterns say that.
The mother said the reason he dropped her off away from the school was because she wanted to walk the rest of the way- nothing about why they left early- and in his interview, he said he felt guilty because he could have waited, which sounds to me like he was the one who wanted to be somewhere early.

Well we know now they never went and both wanting to be dropped off elsewhere and wanting to be there early are likely lies.

Indeed, they're lies but they're all his lies!

I lean towards she did say she saw her because I am taking the LE word for it at the moment and that's why I try to make it work that it could be true.

I'd also add that news first and now everyone is giving so much heat over the fact she said she talked to her the night before but saw her last that morning as if lies, that one would think LE would come out and clear that part up if untrue just to stop the wild public hanging most out there want to give the mother.

Re LE, don't count on it but anyway, bear in mind that you're choosing to take the word of one officer whose report contains several inaccuracies.

Also touched on is how not just parents but even the public doesn't want to believe such at some times. Oh no, not the coaach of my boiy, he wouldn't do that to another boy. he's a rock solid member of the community. And we know him and go to dinner with him and his wife....

Yeah, those people aren't facing reality just the same as those who think the mother had to have known or should have known also aren't facing reality.

 

[Guess Who]

I think another reason to doubt that the mother said she observed Madeline getting dressed is because she was asked what Madeline was wearing and she said "she was last seen wearing...", which tells me she didn't see her dress nor saw her when she left.

per article

"Newly obtained documents show that the girl’s mother told deputies Feb. 26 that she saw her daughter getting dressed for school at 8 a.m. Monday, and Sterns then took her to school."

“We dropped her off at school, close to school,” Jennifer Soto told Channel 9. “She wanted to walk the rest of the way.”

Madeline Soto: Story Jennifer Soto gave law enforcement doesn’t line up with what investigators know

Channel 9 learned Tuesday that the story Jennifer Soto -- the mother of 13-year-old Madeline Soto -- gave to law enforcement does not line up with what investigators know.

www.wftv.com

 

[GrandmaBear]

Well I don't know why you believe that, I mean, I didn't see it in the Incident Report nor did I hear either the mother or Sterns say that.
The mother said the reason he dropped her off away from the school was because she wanted to walk the rest of the way- nothing about why they left early- and in his interview, he said he felt guilty because he could have waited, which sounds to me like he was the one who wanted to be somewhere early.


Indeed, they're lies but they're all his lies!


Re LE, don't count on it but anyway, bear in mind that you're choosing to take the word of one officer whose report contains several inaccuracies.


Yeah, those people aren't facing reality just the same as those who think the mother had to have known or should have known also aren't facing reality.

Because I heard it and it is talked of and my original sources were news and LE and shortly after the parents' interview. It could have been news and they had it wrong, I don't recall. If I ever get a chance, I will try to find it but it was said. Just as her being dropped away from school was due to her being embarrassed by the vehicle, had you heard that one? Now THAT one I think is questionable but the leaving early seemed to be something that came from him or Jen or family they were citing, wish I recalled better, that Maddie wanted to. And if true, I'd say that it was a lie either by mom or bf and probably bf, although she sure cited "his" story it seems.

Yes, they very well may be all HIS lies. But he's not really the one in question any longer, I think most know and all agree what he did and that he lied and he is in jail for it. It's what the mom knew or did not know or did or did not do that is still in question. And I'd say there's plenty of reason to wonder in each direction and the more that's come out, the length of time the abuse was going on and a lot more, doesn't help that or assure anyone that she is blameless here. I'm not saying she is guilty of a thing but I'm not saying she isn't either. I see no reason to be sure of either, but that's jmo.

Per LE, no, I'm not choosing to do that, I'm simply doing that at the moment, going with LE until more is known. Jenn hasn' corrected it, her lawyer hasn't, and LE hasn't if it is wrong. I thought I'd seen the incident report but now I'm not sure that I actually have seen it, the written version, because I'm drawing a blank on the other inaccuracies you mention. Maybe I haven't seen it.

Yeah, it is an avoidance of reality or sticking ones head in the sand or denial. Does that mean though on some level they didn't or don't know... Just aren't facing it... And imo, that's neglect of duty or parenting at some level if the one charged with her care...

I don't know. Just saying nothing where she is concerned is clear cut yet. The first interview we all saw she didn't hit me wrong but that was based on only that at that time. We all knew little. Knew nothing of the SA, nothing at all. HE hit me wrong right OFF THE BAT.

Since then though, we learned of the SA and more and no, she doesn't have a pass from me yet. I haven't convicted her with my opinion yet either though. At BEST, she missed a lot, ignored a lot, maybe was not hands on, and let the child be in his hands alone since a fairly young age. Maybe just all trusting and naive decisions and she needed the help. I don't know.

IMHO the best thing she could have done not too long in when his first charges came to light would have been at some point to come out or issue a statement against him, lawyer or no lawyer.I don't think anything could stop me if I had known nothing and was totally shocked and devastated by it all.

I saw what I think was longer or more detailed or maybe I was just paying more attention to it this time around her comforting him again last night, massaging his shoulder and back and so on. Made me I'll. It did the first time but with knowing what we now know of him, it had a worse effect.

I don't know if I will get a chance but here is one thing I know and that is that not every airing of their interviews showed everything or the same thing each time. News does that and it is irritating as heck because some who have watched them think they've seen it all if they watched it once but they haven't.

Anyhow I don't know. I agree about all he said is lies. No doubt.

 

[GrandmaBear]

per article

"Newly obtained documents show that the girl’s mother told deputies Feb. 26 that she saw her daughter getting dressed for school at 8 a.m. Monday, and Sterns then took her to school."

“We dropped her off at school, close to school,” Jennifer Soto told Channel 9. “She wanted to walk the rest of the way.”

Madeline Soto: Story Jennifer Soto gave law enforcement doesn’t line up with what investigators know

Channel 9 learned Tuesday that the story Jennifer Soto -- the mother of 13-year-old Madeline Soto -- gave to law enforcement does not line up with what investigators know.

www.wftv.com

Was it deputies then plural that she told? Because that makes a difference. Wouldn't be just one that heard her say that.

At this point, I don't doubt she said it. I do think it possible both her statements could be true and that would be the only explanation that would help her--that she did talk to her the night before about her party and that she did see her getting dressed for school. It makes for a tight timeline though and a lot would have to fall in just right for it all to be true.

Another thing that bothers me is grandma. Not that grandma bothers me per se although I sense there is maybe not the best relationship with her daughter (just guessing) and she said that he was not there that night and she didn't know why J called him and then he was there that morning (paraphrasing). This was the Telemundo interview.

IF true, I don't understand it either. if she was up and saw her getting dressed, why couldn't she just take her but I guess at that point he was already there because he'd dumped her stuff... So how long had she been up and when had she called him or did he just show up? Phones are going to show things in this one too...

What complicates this is varying stories that they weren't living together, were broken up, he wasn't there, etc. Or was he? Just knowing the facts on that would clear a lot up.

 

[Regina]

per article

"Newly obtained documents show that the girl’s mother told deputies Feb. 26 that she saw her daughter getting dressed for school at 8 a.m. Monday, and Sterns then took her to school."

That info comes from the Incident Report that I've been talking about.
And the mother said in that same interview that she wasn't with Sterns when he dropped her off....
I don't get it; what you've pointed out to me is what I already know and understand.

 

[Guess Who]

That info comes from the Incident Report that I've been talking about.
And the mother said in that same interview that she wasn't with Sterns when he dropped her off....
I don't get it; what you've pointed out to me is what I already know and understand.

It was in response to the question of if the mother really said either of those things or not. That is all

 

[GrandmaBear]

That info comes from the Incident Report that I've been talking about.
And the mother said in that same interview that she wasn't with Sterns when he dropped her off....
I don't get it; what you've pointed out to me is what I already know and understand.

Yeah we've all seen that and it doesn't prove it. i still think however she did likely say it. I just think there's likely body cam.or recorded.

Right now I am watching a bit of Police Off the Cuff show, retired NYPD guy. He is big on not putting out gossip. And he just said that the Police Chief said that investigators were confident Madeline was already dead, having been killed in the Kissimee home before Sterns moved her body. I put that almost word for word. I have never ;heard this, have YOU? Did a presser or something? He says that that makes the first crime scene and the murder scene the home.

All I recall hearing is when he was returning, she could be seen in the car with him and they felt she was already dead.

I mean that changes everything if it was said.

It isn't a live show so I can't ask in chat and for some reason there is no commenting area under it or I would ask him.

I have been about 50/50 whether killed at home or in the car after leaving...

Just wondering if anyone HEARD the Chief say what he says he did.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

‘Uncover every single fact:’ Investigation continues into Madeline Soto’s disappearance, death

Law enforcement will update the investigation into the disappearance and death of 13-year-old Madeline Soto.

www.clickorlando.com

Mark Lehman, Reporter
Published: March 21, 2024 at 6:40 AM

KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Kissimmee police on Thursday are scheduled to provide an update into the disappearance and death of 13-year-old Madeline Soto.

The Kissimmee Police Department said investigators have been pursuing leads and will highlight the progress of the case during a 2 p.m. news conference, which will be livestreamed at the very top of this story.

Stephan Sterns, the 37-year-old boyfriend of Madeline Soto’s mother, is the prime suspect in Soto’s death, according to law enforcement.

Sterns was the last person confirmed to have seen the girl alive, according to investigators.

 

[Regina]

Just wondering if anyone HEARD the Chief say what he says he did.

It was the sheriff, wasn't it? Lol!
Anyway, yeah, it was in the second press conference that he said that.