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]

Oh, I think it's no brainer that he killed her but I think the issue of charging him could be which degree of homicide to charge him with.
And yeah the mother was in the home but from where I sit, I see no evidence that she knew anything about anything and so I question why the police chief answered the question the way she did as to whether she's a suspect, that is, that everyone close the victim is a suspect.
In my opinion, she's setting a terrible example for the "her" detectives which is don't alienate anyone, especially those close to the victim.

I don't think it's the degree that's the issue, I think they truly are building the case and cementing it and need it to be, poor choice of words, but "bullet proof" from a defense. They have gott to close her out as the possible killer just for one. And even though we think it should be any day, it doesn't have to be for any real reason, there's no statute and they have him solidly held and probably if never charged could put him away for life just on the charges he has. I'm with you, I want to see more and see murder charges and know more, but there clearly is no reason for them to rush a charge. I would say though waiting too long (a year, two years) changes things and those working on cases, witnesses' memories and more so I sure hope they don't do that. She also talked kind of as if, of course, they can't go forward so to speak or assume cause of death until they have the autopsy/med examiner's findings and said they don't have them yet. I wonder if that's interesting or not... I mean no real reason to rush those either or does it mean there's a lot to look into , more than we know? Probably not and may be wating on tox and some things. This also may have been a play on words. LE often knows the basic results if not almost all before the report actually gets written and issued. Anyhow in a presser that seemed to have nothing, there was that too, that they don't have it yet.

Here's the thing with mom in the home as I see it--I've heard listening to a former friend of hers that she would take whatever medication for something at night all at once and that it would knock her out flat. So I have actually entertained that he could have killed her and mom not have known. She also could have not been home from work or some such until wee hours and just assumed all was good or whatever. BUT she places self in a conversation with Maddie that night about the party (so didn't work that late apparently and was home before Maddie went to bed on a school night) but as you know, the biggest problem is she said she saw her that morning, alive and dressing. You think she possibly didn't say it and LE is wrong. I think that's unlikely but respectfully disagree at least at this point. BUT IF she did, she put herself in one bad spot. I think there's a lot that can be done in a short period of time in murders and such but not her being killed after 8 (time mom saw her) hurriedly put dead and lifeless in car, leaving with Stephan with her dead and returning and seen in car with him by 8:19 was it? There's no way and there's certainly no way she didn't know she was dead then or see it because she places herself as seeing Maddie and being up.

If she lied, for him, that is it's own can of trouble and chargeable too. And certainly unfortunately adds to the look that she knew more and was part of more whether true or not. It's one thing to parrot his story of the trip to school and such since she wasn't with and that's all she was told but to claim to have seen her alive if she hadn't is a whole other bowl of fish or kettle or whatever lol.

IF his happened in the home as LE seems to be saying, and I never realized that was actually said until just a day or two ago, and she was home, that changes my look at this a LOT.

Of course there's much we don't know, we only know what was told us by LE. I mean they saw Maddie in the car with him in a video who is to say Jen wasn't in the car too? I don't think she was but just saying omission is the thing hard to think on, we look at what we have been told, not what we haven't. She kept doing that 'we" sh*t as far as taking her to school and while some explain that away, that one to me was odd. It seemed to be a sign of "their" story or what maybe was planned for initially or some such. Just odd.

She could not even have been home for all we know, at all, all night. How do we know? What proof do we have? Who has said she was that we have heard other than Jen saying she talked to Maddie night before and saw her the next morning placing self there. I don't think this for a minute, just saying all could be lies for all we know.

I developed a slight dislike for the police chief but realize that could because she answered absolutely nothing I wanted to know! Lol. For the moment though she's on my sh*t list and not a fan.

 

[Regina]

I'm not yet worried about the investigation but I do think just the couple of things, like a posted photo of Maddie and the fact we've changed agencies, I guess rightly so due to jurisdiction, and politics have me always aware of that. I think some think still politics don't play into justice but boy that's not true these days.

OMG it just dawned on me that it will end up back with the county in prosecution and already should be and is with his current charges but maybe not investigation. WTH... And she was not found in the city limits.... Crime scene of murder may be in the city limits. Okay. That thought just popped. I need to not think on it right now...

Indeed, it's a shame that politics has ever stood in way of justice!
In this case, the state attorney is the same for both counties, Osceola and Orange. (I think Orange Co was first involved because that's where it was believed she was missing from.)
Anyway, where the death occurred and where her body was recovered is the same county (Osceola).

I'm not concerned about the investigation, but I get you, I'm impatient, most are but I get a murder indictment might be months away, I want it sooner but I want it done right. In Kohberger a couple of weeks and all would have thought the world ended (I was not any different there is some killer of four people running around out there) and there'd never be an arrest but it was in fairly short order just weeks. I know you get that and I get that but I get just like others where I'd like to see it sooner but tell myself not at the risk of the investigation. Some of that comes from silence like here today, where you don't give the people a little SOMETHING. I think this is the bridge that isn't gapped between LE, etc. and the public in far changed times. This is a big belief of mine that there needs to be a balance.

I thought he left with her, period and was in debate on whether she was killed at home with mom there or in the car with just him.

I think it's possible that they don't think they have the evidence to show she was killed in the home because it seemed that the chief didn't want to say where they believe the death occurred. I don't know, maybe I should watch it again....
You know, that press conference really threw me for a loop! Not long into it, the chief was coming across to me as having been scolded and so was explaining herself, lol! (Btw, LMAO at the lashes-have-got-to-go comment! You are really something else! )

 

[GrandmaBear]

Oh, I think it's no brainer that he killed her but I think the issue of charging him could be which degree of homicide to charge him with.
And yeah the mother was in the home but from where I sit, I see no evidence that she knew anything about anything and so I question why the police chief answered the question the way she did as to whether she's a suspect, that is, that everyone close the victim is a suspect.
In my opinion, she's setting a terrible example for the "her" detectives which is don't alienate anyone, especially those close to the victim.

I've never heard a chief or sheriff say everyone close is a suspect quite in the way she did. I agree to a point. I mean we know as say a father of a dead child knows he needs to cooperate and e cleared or a hub of a dead wife, etc. Most of us know this BUT this was put differently in that there's no just talking with friends and family members, you are ALL suspects ND interview is informal as you ALL are suspects. I don't have the right words but I get what you mean and think we mean the same in don't alienate any possible witness or source or someone who has info. If someone has info that is debating coming in and not sure it's important, etc., you just announced they'd be seen as a suspect basically.

On the flip side, I think it was her way of saying mom isn't clear without pinpointing mom alone and it's pressure perhaps. I'd imagine this was thought on and discussed and they knew she'd be asked about mom, and as to what to say.

She certainly did not come on and clear mom but she also helped her a bit in saying she cooperated and that All are other than Sterns. So it was a play on both and probably planned to be. She dind't get mom out of the hot spot but helped it in saying all were cooperative other than him and mom cooperated. Then she said the other bit about all being suspects. So HE77 I don't know it's like she subtly told mom cooperation is good IF you continue to be but you are still a suspect if you don't and so on and no we aren't going to clear you until you do and we know?

 

[GrandmaBear]

Indeed, it's a shame that politics has ever stood in way of justice!
In this case, the state attorney is the same for both counties, Osceola and Orange. (I think Orange Co was first involved because that's where it was believed she was missing from.)
Anyway, where the death occurred and where her body was recovered is the same county (Osceola).

I think it's possible that they don't think they have the evidence to show she was killed in the home because it seemed that the chief didn't want to say where they believe the death occurred. I don't know, maybe I should watch it again....
You know, that press conference really threw me for a loop! Not long into it, the chief was coming across to me as having been scolded and so was explaining herself, lol! (Btw, LMAO at the lashes-have-got-to-go comment! You are really something else! )

yes politics and infighting should never play into a common goal of justice. it disgusts me.

So Orange is where the school is then I am going to take it? I didn't realize that. Now having known she never went to school, both home and where he dumped her are in Osceola? So Orange won't get this as the prosecuting county/DA? Ahh I see. I missed that. I probably saw it but it didn't register. I knew county handed it to city which was a bit odd to me but thought city was in same county. Thanks for clearing that for me or I would have went on not realizing.

I don't know. That whole killed in the home thing is like I said something I never heard until the other day on POC and if true, it shaped and changed my opinion or possible thoughts. Then you found the statement that they said she was killed in Kissimmee which isn't necessarily home. But then wasn't it then found or said they did say that? I am overstuffed with info and isome is leaking out/forgotten. Lol. Didn't this Chief say county said that/found that so it basically is the case?

I've never heard like LE come out and say such with absolute emphasis I know that and it's why I think many of us missed it. I sure never picked up on it.

So now much is at odds too with both J & S saying he picked her up.

I'd almost have to guess that LE needs to be sure what is true in even those kinds of details. Nothing really anywhere hints at him being there until morning. Jenn's conversation with her the night before, nothing. I think she did say and do a "we" or "us" thing again, didn't she? She was telling us about her gifts, the party, etc...? I'm not positive on that but if she did, again it contradicts them saying he "picked" her up.

LE probably has these answers in the form of video of when he likely arrived and left on either day or night. But one can see why they need all this kind of stuff to be rock solid as things aren't matching up...

Not sure about evidence she was killed in the home. A lot of that would hinge I guess on cause of death. Strangling or suffocating there is not going to be as much evidence of if any as like a gun or knife, to not get graphic.

They can however by again video maybe determine it as to when she last went in seemingly alive and when she was next seen. There has to be a ton more video and info than we know. I mean someone got her home from the party the night before. When? Who? What time? Did Jenn pick her up? Did grandma or aunt bring her home? Who was home when they did? What time?

There is so much we don't know that LE likely does.

Let's say they can't find serious evidence of a murder in the home, then it will take the surrounding evidence, she was brought home alive, then see in his car clearly dead kind of thing AND witnesses which in this case would be Jen only as he isn't going to talk and what will she choose? Is she continuing to cooperate or not...

If he's never charged with murder (which I think he will be), they've got enough on him for him to never see the light of day, or it should be the case.

It would also lend to them waiting for the autopsy and confirmed cause of death.

I can't help but wonder HOW they can be sure she is dead when seen in the 8:19 car video with him. Something tells them that clearly enough that they came out to the public and said as much. The sheriff's dept. did.

 

[Regina]

She's noting some of the same things I did. Mom cooperated, gave AN interview. And more that I've wondered about.. Thinks there was a purpose for the presser and I have wondered that but it's very subtle if so...... And careful...

I don't think the pc, itself, was an investigative tactic. I think the reason they had a pc is just because requests for info has been extraordinary.

 

[GrandmaBear]

I don't think the pc, itself, was an investigative tactic. I think the reason they had a pc is just because requests for info has been extraordinary.

Yeah if it was it was extremely subtle and unpressured if trying to get anyone to cooperate. And I thought too of all the reporters, interest, calls they are likely getting and so on but if that's what they are trying to stem, she failed miserably as not a THING was offered and if not some strategy then I am back to it was a huge bust. Like I said then put out a press statement weekly IF you are not going to answer anything and quit wasting the resourcs and people's time including your own and your staff's.

The announcement they had packets for the press was laughable. Of what? The initial information that was already known?

I don't know. The couple of little things would maybe to Jen give some subtle pressure. She did both as much as say she (and all) are suspects but then helped Jen and all a bit saying all cooperated EXCEPT for Sterns. It wasn't major but was a bit of deviation from the canned speech and no answers to a thing.

It's all we've got lol. If it's anything.

Yeah, I continue to be flat out disappointed in her and the presser.

 

[Regina]

So Orange is where the school is then I am going to take it? I didn't realize that. Now having known she never went to school, both home and where he dumped her are in Osceola? So Orange won't get this as the prosecuting county/DA? Ahh I see. I missed that. I probably saw it but it didn't register. I knew county handed it to city which was a bit odd to me but thought city was in same county. Thanks for clearing that for me or I would have went on not realizing.

You're welcome!
Yeah, she was reported missing from Orlando, which really confused me since I was hearing she lived in Kissimmee!

I don't know. That whole killed in the home thing is like I said something I never heard until the other day on POC and if true, it shaped and changed my opinion or possible thoughts. Then you found the statement that they said she was killed in Kissimmee which isn't necessarily home. But then wasn't it then found or said they did say that? I am overstuffed with info and isome is leaking out/forgotten. Lol. Didn't this Chief say county said that/found that so it basically is the case?

She was found in St. Cloud, which is the same county in which she lived.
But I don't think LE has ever said she was killed in the home. The Orange Co sheriff would only say she was killed in Kissimmee, which I found interesting since I know that by that time, they had video of who came and went and when.

I can't help but wonder HOW they can be sure she is dead when seen in the 8:19 car video with him. Something tells them that clearly enough that they came out to the public and said as much. The sheriff's dept. did.

I think it could be that there's something visible in the vehicle that they believe hid/contained her body.

So now much is at odds too with both J & S saying he picked her up.

I'd almost have to guess that LE needs to be sure what is true in even those kinds of details. Nothing really anywhere hints at him being there until morning. Jenn's conversation with her the night before, nothing. I think she did say and do a "we" or "us" thing again, didn't she? She was telling us about her gifts, the party, etc...? I'm not positive on that but if she did, again it contradicts them saying he "picked" her up.

Well, the idea that Sterns picked her up doesn't make any sense, we know that now because we now know he lived there and in his interview, he allowed the impression that he'd slept there the night before and so why it's in the arrest warrant that they both said he picked her up, I don't know.

 

[Regina]

Yeah, I continue to be flat out disappointed in her and the presser.

I think it was a bad judgement call to have one in the first place.
Did you catch it that the chief, and this was right out of the gate, was inaccurate as to when Madeline's birthday actually was?
I was immediately disappointed and it causes me to question how well she knows and understands the facts and circumstances of the case.
Come to think of it, perhaps it's a better idea that the next time there's a pc, we're informed by the lead detective rather than the chief.

 

[GrandmaBear]

You're welcome!
Yeah, she was reported missing from Orlando, which really confused me since I was hearing she lived in Kissimmee!


She was found in St. Cloud, which is the same county in which she lived.
But I don't think LE has ever said she was killed in the home. The Orange Co sheriff would only say she was killed in Kissimmee, which I found interesting since I know that by that time, they had video of who came and went and when.


I think it could be that there's something visible in the vehicle that they believe hid/contained her body.


Well, the idea that Sterns picked her up doesn't make any sense, we know that now because we now know he lived there and in his interview, he allowed the impression that he'd slept there the night before and so why it's in the arrest warrant that they both said he picked her up, I don't know.

I knew there are different areas but unsure I realized they were different counties. Usually city hands to county for prosecution so it did throw me when county handed to city lol.

Yeah, I don't know. The varied things said here are annoying. If it had come from someone other than POC who is USUALLY very responsible,and who said the chief said it, I'd wonder and as it is I do wonder. I't just like the "picked" up. IF these are mistakes they need to realize a single word can cause a lot of damage and confusion. It could be though that as it says (didn't it?) both he and her said this, at least at first...

As far as her in the vehicle, many say (not sure source but I had that impression from start too) that she was in a seated position in the passenger seat I believe. Does that come from anything official, I can't recall but I thought it was the case, then I didn't and then I did again.

I don't think it's a container because they said didn't they that Maddie was visible in the car with them and they think she was dead? That I'm pretty certain of and that is one thing that's hard for me to make work with IF Jen saw her at 8 because he'd have to get a dead boy into the car without any container and seated in short order to be seen minutes later coming back IF she was killed at home.

Well I"ve heard he lived there and I've heard he didn't depending on time frame and who one listens to and that they were together and that they weren't. It is irritating as all HE77.

No doubt they know a lot more than we do about who came and went when of all three of them at minimum. By now they know if Jen was at work and what hours and even what time she got home or if she stopped anywhere and more. Whether he was there all night or not.

I've got to tell you if this happened in the home, I'm really starting to see the two as likely guilty. That remark if true, changes almost everything for me. Along with her remark of seeing her again, IF TRUE. Of what all re her, I'm not sure but both of some things and maybe all.

No I missed the birthday date wrong. I actually missed the first few minutes of the presser and then went back and rewatched but at that point I was looking to hear a few certain things again to be sure I heard the words right, like "those" responsible for her death before I cited them here. What did she do, use the date of the party? I've caught others doing that on their channels, they correct it and catch it or are told but yeah.

She's administrative and a talking head and I agree the investigators I agree live and breathe the cases, she's just getting her air time I suppose, go figure. I'm sure she's maybe briefed weekly and of course she is the head and director but she isn't boots on the ground nor even investigating from a desk I'm sure. I'm trying not to take too much of a dislike as I know it stems from my thinking how useless that presser was and how unhappy I was with it lol.

I wish they'd at least clarify any mistakes. I tend to think that since they haven't such are true. The seeing her at 8 statement and the "picking" her up, The "picking" her up could be lies by the couple and not LE, they are just reporting what told.

I also think it isn't easy to discount Jenn saw her getting dressed part because of saying getting dressed. Let's just say deputies mixed that up with who said it--Stephen isn't going to say he saw a 13 year old getting dressed, especially considering his charges and what we now know of him and so I feel they got that somewhere and not saying it to disagree with you, as you know, but I lean the other way on it as true she said it.

Did you follow the Riley Strain one at all? I hate days when such bad news comes and it kind of put a damper on the day today big time. Nothing like of course what the parents are going through. That mom has a totally open heart and no stoicism or toughness and she has to be in pieces, she already was as most would be. Contrasting her with Jen is night and day. I put Jen's not overly emotional other than looking like that deer in headlights thing down to there was hope yet at that point and it was early on BUT this case they had hope too and that mom was a mess throughout. People are different I realize but just saying it was quite the contrast. There's no doubt in that one that she was grief strick just with him missing.

Anyhow, just some thoughts. Doing a bit of cleaning and my daughter is coming over which is nice as I hardly see ANYONE any more due to my schedule and it BITES. UNfortuntely I still have laundry to do which I I put off and then kick myself when I do. I have to go out of the apt. to do it of course. She's bringing lunch, a late one. She was going to make me spicy spaghetti last night but ended up working yesterday (had thought it would be a day off). Usually I cook for her not that that happens any longer as again I never get to see anyone or have time and she says she's not a cook but she has this spaghetti down pat. Wow is it good. She used to always beg me to make it and mine is more scratch but she indulges in the big good meatballs and pricey sauce and I'll take it. I don't buy such for just me.

Off topic. Just spent all morning on crime and the news of that and on some threads and videos and now kind of between several things, a little of this here and a little of that. We had sn*w last night! Not welcome. Can't complain though about the way this winter has been. At all.

Well I hope in not too long we will get tsome more news in this case and clarifications. Since they didn't correct anything, well I unfortunately think she/they said these things. I could be wrong most definitely.

How is your day going?

 

[Regina]

Yeah, I don't know. The varied things said here are annoying. If it had come from someone other than POC who is USUALLY very responsible,and who said the chief said it, I'd wonder and as it is I do wonder. I't just like the "picked" up. IF these are mistakes they need to realize a single word can cause a lot of damage and confusion. It could be though that as it says (didn't it?) both he and her said this, at least at first...

Well, it was in the arrest affidavit that they both "advised" that he picked her up and it appears that he did live there and so if it's true they said that, the only sense I can make of it is that he wasn't known to have been living there.

As far as her in the vehicle, many say (not sure source but I had that impression from start too) that she was in a seated position in the passenger seat I believe. Does that come from anything official, I can't recall but I thought it was the case, then I didn't and then I did again.

I don't think it's a container because they said didn't they that Maddie was visible in the car with them and they think she was dead? That I'm pretty certain of and that is one thing that's hard for me to make work with IF Jen saw her at 8 because he'd have to get a dead boy into the car without any container and seated in short order to be seen minutes later coming back IF she was killed at home.

You're right, I forgot they said they saw Madeline and yeah, they said they believe she was dead, that Sterns had transported her body in the early morning hours
But I just can't wrap my head around the idea that he drove around with a dead body propped up as a passenger although I also can't figure how they could have seen her in the car otherwise...
You know, he said she slept most of the way (an absurd notion to begin with!) and at the time he said that, he seemed to be accounting for why they didn't talk much. I suppose he could have been considering whether she was seen in the vehicle although I don't think that would necessarily mean that her body was in an upright position.

I also think it isn't easy to discount Jenn saw her getting dressed part because of saying getting dressed. Let's just say deputies mixed that up with who said it--Stephen isn't going to say he saw a 13 year old getting dressed, especially considering his charges and what we now know of him and so I feel they got that somewhere and not saying it to disagree with you, as you know, but I lean the other way on it as true she said it.

If it's true she said it, I'd think it was because she really didn't believe he'd done anything wrong.

Did you follow the Riley Strain one at all? I hate days when such bad news comes and it kind of put a damper on the day today big time. Nothing like of course what the parents are going through. That mom has a totally open heart and no stoicism or toughness and she has to be in pieces, she already was as most would be. Contrasting her with Jen is night and day. I put Jen's not overly emotional other than looking like that deer in headlights thing down to there was hope yet at that point and it was early on BUT this case they had hope too and that mom was a mess throughout. People are different I realize but just saying it was quite the contrast. There's no doubt in that one that she was grief strick just with him missing.

I did, and I'm very relieved he was found. I was beginning to think he might not be, partly because there'd been another a case of a young man who'd left a bar on the other side of the river from where Riley was last known to be and his body was found near to where Riley's was found but five days later.

 

[Guess Who]

You're right, I forgot they said they saw Madeline and yeah, they said they believe she was dead, that Sterns had transported her body in the early morning hours
But I just can't wrap my head around the idea that he drove around with a dead body propped up as a passenger although I also can't figure how they could have seen her in the car otherwise...
You know, he said she slept most of the way (an absurd notion to begin with!) and at the time he said that, he seemed to be accounting for why they didn't talk much. I suppose he could have been considering whether she was seen in the vehicle although I don't think that would necessarily mean that her body was in an upright position.

He also could have gotten something out of the trunk and the camera also caught a glimpse of her in the trunk is what makes sense to me. That is one way they might have known she was dead at the time, also.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Well, it was in the arrest affidavit that they both "advised" that he picked her up and it appears that he did live there and so if it's true they said that, the only sense I can make of it is that he wasn't known to have been living there.


You're right, I forgot they said they saw Madeline and yeah, they said they believe she was dead, that Sterns had transported her body in the early morning hours
But I just can't wrap my head around the idea that he drove around with a dead body propped up as a passenger although I also can't figure how they could have seen her in the car otherwise...
You know, he said she slept most of the way (an absurd notion to begin with!) and at the time he said that, he seemed to be accounting for why they didn't talk much. I suppose he could have been considering whether she was seen in the vehicle although I don't think that would necessarily mean that her body was in an upright position.


If it's true she said it, I'd think it was because she really didn't believe he'd done anything wrong.

I did, and I'm very relieved he was found. I was beginning to think he might not be, partly because there'd been another a case of a young man who'd left a bar on the other side of the river from where Riley was last known to be and his body was found near to where Riley's was found but five days later.

I have the real feeling he was not supposed to be living there. And the fact was hid if he was. That could be due to former problems, CPS (although we have no HINT of this ) or just their back and forth relationship and her own family saying you are NOT going to take him back again ARE you or KNOWING something and telling her how not to have him around and so no. I think that explain's grandma's non understanding of why she called him or why he was there, etc. He was not SUPPOSED to be there for some reason whether just by opinion or Jen saying she wouldn't have him there or by prior trouble and some kind of order or agreement...? I just get that impression that Jen was hiding from family or others even that she still let him be involved, saw him, let him live there be alone with Maddie, or whatever the case may be... Just instinct, I sure don't know...

Well if Jen really saw her getting dressed, STeven wasn't driving her around dead long before seen returning and yes, it is one of the things that bother me. IF killed in the home, youl'd then have to prop her in the car... Something told them she was dead... There IS the possibility something told them that even before seeing her in the car like a video of him carrying her dead body out or something... Seems unlikely but then he was dumb enough to be caught dumping her backpack and such on video so....

I know it sounds crazy but yes, it sounds like he was driving around with her seated and presumably dead.

Possible that she said it to cover as she didn't think he did anything wrong. I am believing that less today though than I would have a week ago or so.

I'm relieved he was found too and feared it may end up a no answers case. Riley's was five days later you mean? Yeah, there do seem to be a number of bodies that river holds.

 

[GrandmaBear]

He also could have gotten something out of the trunk and the camera also caught a glimpse of her in the trunk is what makes sense to me. That is one way they might have known she was dead at the time, also.

It sounds like the video of her seen in the car was him returning and the car moving so he woudln't have been opening the trunk in that one. Doesn't mean thought they couldn't have others but apparently she was seen "in" the car and I take it in the passenger seat in that one.

 

[Regina]

He also could have gotten something out of the trunk and the camera also caught a glimpse of her in the trunk is what makes sense to me. That is one way they might have known she was dead at the time, also.

I'd imagined the car as moving and hadn't thought of the trunk but yeah, that makes the most sense to me.
So if that's right, it seems to me he may have gone back to the dumpster where he'd earlier ditched her belongings.

 

[Regina]

I have the real feeling he was not supposed to be living there. And the fact was hid if he was. That could be due to former problems, CPS (although we have no HINT of this ) or just their back and forth relationship and her own family saying you are NOT going to take him back again ARE you or KNOWING something and telling her how not to have him around and so no. I think that explain's grandma's non understanding of why she called him or why he was there, etc. He was not SUPPOSED to be there for some reason whether just by opinion or Jen saying she wouldn't have him there or by prior trouble and some kind of order or agreement...? I just get that impression that Jen was hiding from family or others even that she still let him be involved, saw him, let him live there be alone with Maddie, or whatever the case may be... Just instinct, I sure don't know...

Do you think it could have anything to do with the custody agreement with Madeline's father? That because she wasn't married to Stephan, he wasn't permitted to be live there?

 

[Regina]

Well if Jen really saw her getting dressed, STeven wasn't driving her around dead long before seen returning and yes, it is one of the things that bother me.

Well, I don't believe it's possible that she saw Madeline at 8, I mean, I believe she was dead before then, sometime after she was home from the party but before Stephan ditched her belongings at 7:35.

 

[Regina]

I'm relieved he was found too and feared it may end up a no answers case. Riley's was five days later you mean? Yeah, there do seem to be a number of bodies that river holds.

No, I think Riley was missing 12 or 13 days, wasn't he?
I know in the pc, the police chief said he was informed that it's expected that a body of Riley's height and weight would surface in 12-14 days, which I hadn't known prior and so aware of the other case, I expected his body would have surfaced sooner unless it was trapped by debris.

 

[Guess Who]

Well, I don't believe it's possible that she saw Madeline at 8, I mean, I believe she was dead before then, sometime after she was home from the party but before Stephan ditched her belongings at 7:35.

And this statement made by mom along with her "we" drove her, etc are exactly why she needs to be looked into. She very possibly was just so "into" him and was easily gaslighted but it also could mean much, much more. I can't give her a pass yet.

 

[Guess Who]

No, I think Riley was missing 12 or 13 days, wasn't he?
I know in the pc, the police chief said he was informed that it's expected that a body of Riley's height and weight would surface in 12-14 days, which I hadn't known prior and so aware of the other case, I expected his body would have surfaced sooner unless it was trapped by debris.

He supposedly was trapped under a barge and yes, nearly two weeks. The barge owner was moving equipment and found him is what I last saw.

 

[Regina]

And this statement made by mom along with her "we" drove her, etc are exactly why she needs to be looked into. She very possibly was just so "into" him and was easily gaslighted but it also could mean much, much more. I can't give her a pass yet.

For the record, I never said she shouldn't have been "looked into", or that she should be given a pass.
Anyway, it sounds to me like there're still looking into her a month later and heck if I know why but I think it's apparent by now and should be evident to LE that she had nothing to with anything surrounding what Sterns is currently charged with.