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]

Yeah, see what I mean? That isn't the same article I'd read but the info comes across as though there's only one trial.
Anyway, I think consider myself to have a reasonable amount of patience but in cases where it's delay after delay after delay it's run out!
Seriously, what I see more and more often is that pretrial this and that mostly amounts to nothing but bs from a defense with a guilty client.

Totally agree and this one hasn't even been years on end yet, only less than six months. I make a point in cases with delay after delays to point them out and bit*h about it.

It's sickening and disgusting. I'm normally patient too but not when it comes to repeated delays with justice. I also agree it's generally when it's a guilty client who won't admit guilt and it's all delay, delay, delay, often over nothing. Of course they file every ridiculous motion they can come up with BUT often it's just a "conflict" of schedule. For that one, I think attorneys should have to prove they have a REAL conflict. I've been told BY attorneys that's an easy out and is usually granted and their word is taken for it, at least usually...

I have seen a judge or two in cases insist an attorney change the other case if there really is one. Meaning if a murder trial has been scheduled and the atty just has a hearing on a smaller case in another county, the judge inquires, finds out what it is, and then tells them to change THAT hearing... Or something on that order, not sure if I've seen it with trial but I mean just where it's a bigger case and things or hearings have been delayed too often.

Of course a common one is there's too much discovery to go through. They need more time, then more time, then more time.

I also get angry at times when the prosecution just goes along with a delay way too easily. ONCE maybe out of courtesy and granting some time for reviewing discovery. SOmetimes though rarely they are all too eager to go along with delays. Thankfully rarely because it is a very bad look for prosecutors to want delays.

Our courts are way too inefficient. They don't roll along like a well oiled machine at all, they have NO OIL. Motions, delays and later appeals are way out of hand. And a court rarely fills that suddenly open calendar either.

This one though? It's hardly gotten started... IT's "new" yet...

And whether it's one trial or two, I still have no idea either. I seriously doubt though that either one or two will go off this year even. It would be almost unheard of if he is fighting it. have they demanded speedy trial? I can't recall but don't think so.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Lawyers for Stephan Sterns argue for closed hearings in Madeline Soto murder case

Stephan Sterns' lawyers argue that all hearings before the trial should be done behind closed doors.

www.wesh.com

Lawyers for Stephan Sterns argue for closed hearings in Madeline Soto murder case​

The man accused of murdering 13-year-old Madeline Soto came to court in person Thursday for a hearing on whether the public and media should be barred from attending court proceedings before his trial.

Public Defender Alesha Smith showed the judge a Powerpoint presentation of how many podcasts, Youtube, Reddit, and TikTok accounts are closely following developments in the case. She argued the attention has been “unprecedented” and will make it impossible to have a fair trial.

“The media has, is, and likely will continue to dissect every aspect of this case,” Smith said.

A lawyer representing several news organizations, including WESH 2, argued that Florida and U.S. courts have consistently ruled that proceedings are presumed to be open.

“Prominence does not produce prejudice,” attorney Minch Minchin said. “And juror impartiality, we have reiterated, does not require ignorance.”

Prosecutors told the judge that Sterns’ defense provided no evidence that the coverage has impacted the jury pool, especially because the audience for social media reports can be anywhere in the world.

“Youtube is not exclusive to Osceola county. WESH isn’t exclusive to Osceola County. Reddit certainly is not exclusive to Osceola County,” assistant State Attorney William Jay said. “Where’s the data about the effectiveness of the message, on Osceola County. It’s just not there.”

Judge Keith Carsten said he would rule on Sterns’ motion to close pretrial proceedings within 10 days.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Florida and US Courts consistently ruled proceedings are to be open. No sh*t. A few other states seem to think they can do as they wish these days.

Keep it open Florida as you're know for.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Jailhouse calls reveal Stephan Sterns' regrets after arrest in Madeline Soto murder case

"I wish I had done the right thing to begin with," Stephan Sterns told his parents.

www.wesh.com

Jailhouse calls reveal Stephan Sterns' regrets after arrest in Madeline Soto murder case​

Stephan Sterns' new jailhouse phone calls reveal conversations with his parents after his arrest for the murder of 13-year-old Madeline Soto.

WESH 2 is still going through nearly four hours of phone calls. But in one clip, you hear Sterns talking to his parents about his state of mind and how he wishes he could have done things differently.

"Understand that anything I did was not done while being in my rational mind. I had snapped at that point. I just... I wish I had done the right thing to begin with. You know, I wish I had run downstairs and shaken her awake and called 911 and all that," Sterns said.

"I wish you had, too. Maybe she could have been saved. But I, you know," said Sterns' mother.

"No. She was ... she was beyond that," Sterns replied.

In another call, Sterns' mother referenced Jennifer Soto, Maddie's mother, and discussed the discovery of disturbing sexual images of Maddie on Sterns' cellphone.

"You know, Stephan, I can't help but get the feeling that none of this that was on the phone was a surprise to (REDACTED)," his mother said.

"She was aware that (REDACTED) had certain feelings toward me," Sterns said.

"Yeah. Well then, why would she send her in there to sleep with you?" Sterns' mother asked.

"She used to joke about it. You know, call it an Electra complex. Used to joke and say, you know, 'You better not leave me for my daughter when she's older.' Things like that," Sterns responded.

It's important to note that Jennifer Soto has not been charged with any crime connected to the disappearance or death of her daughter.

In another call, Sterns' mother said she wished he had come to them sooner and told them what was happening.

Sterns replied, saying he was suffering from cowardice.

Based on the calls, Sterns isn't taking responsibility for Maddie's murder. Instead, telling his parents he found her after she had died.

In multiple conversations, Sterns paints a vague picture of what happened the night Maddie was killed.

"Again, I know you can't talk about this, but it almost sounds like you didn't know she had, something had happened to her?" his father said.

"Well, I discovered her in the state that she was in after everything was said and done," Sterns said. "So I mean, obviously, I can't get into details, but I was not aware that she had passed on. As you know, I'm up and down throughout the night, and I was not in the room the whole time."

We know from reports that Sterns and Maddie Soto would sometimes share a bed in a townhome Maddie's mother shared with roommates.

In the same phone call, Sterns' father asks, "Was there anybody else at the townhome that was not a regular person?"

Sterns said, "No, which is why I keep saying that I'm not sure that there's any one person honestly to blame. But they're certainly trying to blame me."https://www.wesh.com/article/stephan-sterns-murder-madeline-soto/60594686

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

‘She was ice cold’: New jailhouse phone calls released from man accused of killing 13-year-old girl

Investigators have released new jailhouse phone calls made by Stephan Sterns.

www.wftv.com

‘She was ice cold’: New jailhouse phone calls released from man accused of killing 13-year-old girl​

Investigators have released new jailhouse phone calls made by Stephan Sterns.

The calls were made about three months after Sterns was arrested for Madeline’s death.

Before his arrest, Sterns spoke with Channel 9 and said the last time he saw Madeline was after dropping her off at school.

However, in the calls to his parents, he says he found her body, but there was nothing he could do.

Sterns criticized Madeline’s upbringing, calling it a “train wreck.”

However, Sterns defended Madeline’s mom, Jen Soto, saying she was suffering too.

 

[GrandmaBear]

I was listening to some of the phone calls the other night. On The Docket. I've taken in a bit on a lot of cases but hardly been able to keyboard or share due to sore arms, shoulders, neck and back. Hey it was the legs, now that's all aggravated again badly. ANYHOW...

I almost resisted because though I like him and he does great things and gets the actual documents, phone calls, etc., his shows tend to go very, very long. I also, was trying to do what I had to and couldn't do much, so I clicked into it, not even knowing if the calls had anything of interest.

I was fuming before long. I don't know who these people think they are or how stupid they think LE and the reset of the world is. His mother and him particularly. His dad is another one of "those" that seem more staying out of things but their very way of doing that adds to a messed up family.

@Regina we agree Iknow on SS, have you heard all these?

It is like Brian Laundrie and his mother all over again. And I PERSONALLY do cut the parents some slack in these cases but OMG.

And one can tell the son is playing the mom at the same time.

Of course they were full well knowing it was being recorded.

I don't have words, time, the physical capability of even trying to explain. It was just SO clear what it was. Mom was trying for one thing, but son has to also "cover" lies to his parents imo. He is a freaking pervertt pedo (imo, dead to rights) and none of it of course was about Maddie. A lot about his friends talking about them, the family, turning on him, being on Gray Hughes, then of course how religious and good they are, SS used that one a few times. It was about all I could TAKE. I started watching the chat and man I wasn't alone in how angry I was getting.

It has very much not been my week and it was late and I didn't get through all and I didn't go into it at the beginning either but man...

There are NOT words for the dynamic going on. Or what each was trying to do. They were trying to do the same but in the same breath he has lied to his parents and so he has to watch for that but at the same time much like Brian's parents I think they well know it but she's making it all just not his fault, etc., etc. and trying to lay things I think she thinks will help him. It is SICK.

The one I heard dad was on at first and then mom got on and took over from then on. I don't excuse the dads in some of these cases though, you know what I think, why didn't you put your FOOT down, or weren't home, or helping, or were out and not doing your job, when the kids were being raised like this... For lack of better words. There is more to the dynamic, I just don't have WORDS.

I guess also phone calls can go on forever now, it's not some limited time thing, they have tablets and who knows what else has changed.

Anyhow, seen a fair amount on a number of cases but haven't had any chance or ability to share it and this was one of those.

His voice and ways even. Just sickened. Poor Maddie exposed to that basically her entire life. He's such a CREEPY ICKY THING. Imo.

 

[Regina]

I was listening to some of the phone calls the other night. On The Docket. I've taken in a bit on a lot of cases but hardly been able to keyboard or share due to sore arms, shoulders, neck and back. Hey it was the legs, now that's all aggravated again badly. ANYHOW...

I almost resisted because though I like him and he does great things and gets the actual documents, phone calls, etc., his shows tend to go very, very long. I also, was trying to do what I had to and couldn't do much, so I clicked into it, not even knowing if the calls had anything of interest.

I was fuming before long. I don't know who these people think they are or how stupid they think LE and the reset of the world is. His mother and him particularly. His dad is another one of "those" that seem more staying out of things but their very way of doing that adds to a messed up family.

@Regina we agree Iknow on SS, have you heard all these?

It is like Brian Laundrie and his mother all over again. And I PERSONALLY do cut the parents some slack in these cases but OMG.

And one can tell the son is playing the mom at the same time.

Of course they were full well knowing it was being recorded.

I don't have words, time, the physical capability of even trying to explain. It was just SO clear what it was. Mom was trying for one thing, but son has to also "cover" lies to his parents imo. He is a freaking pervertt pedo (imo, dead to rights) and none of it of course was about Maddie. A lot about his friends talking about them, the family, turning on him, being on Gray Hughes, then of course how religious and good they are, SS used that one a few times. It was about all I could TAKE. I started watching the chat and man I wasn't alone in how angry I was getting.

It has very much not been my week and it was late and I didn't get through all and I didn't go into it at the beginning either but man...

There are NOT words for the dynamic going on. Or what each was trying to do. They were trying to do the same but in the same breath he has lied to his parents and so he has to watch for that but at the same time much like Brian's parents I think they well know it but she's making it all just not his fault, etc., etc. and trying to lay things I think she thinks will help him. It is SICK.

The one I heard dad was on at first and then mom got on and took over from then on. I don't excuse the dads in some of these cases though, you know what I think, why didn't you put your FOOT down, or weren't home, or helping, or were out and not doing your job, when the kids were being raised like this... For lack of better words. There is more to the dynamic, I just don't have WORDS.

I guess also phone calls can go on forever now, it's not some limited time thing, they have tablets and who knows what else has changed.

Anyhow, seen a fair amount on a number of cases but haven't had any chance or ability to share it and this was one of those.

His voice and ways even. Just sickened. Poor Maddie exposed to that basically her entire life. He's such a CREEPY ICKY THING. Imo.

No, I don't think I've heard all of the jail calls and very little of the ones most recently released.
But to me, all of these parent's have responded the way I'd expect and I think it's normal, I mean, I'd have expected the same from Petito's parent's had it been the other way around.

 

[GrandmaBear]

No, I don't think I've heard all of the jail calls and very little of the ones most recently released.
But to me, all of these parent's have responded the way I'd expect and I think it's normal, I mean, I'd have expected the same from Petito's parent's had it been the other way around.

Not me. I know and believe we all do the best as parents for the most part with what we know at the time.

But some go beyond. Some probably help create a monster and do not even realize. While I don't always agree parents should be blamed and I don't jump on that recent ship, in some cases and with some, well, I wouldn't say some aren't still doing it and just are way beyond.

I don't know... I get it as a parent but I also don't in some cases. And at a point in life...? I mean do you not get it? Don't know, if one is enabling like that but then also being played by your own son, but I'd suspect you know that...?

There's been quite a bit released the last months and I haven't kept up, just can't, of actual phone calls, docs, and so on.

For the record, I don't think Gabby's parents are saints or anything and of course they are not on the reverse side of things. I mean they had a girl that was in a DV situation and living with him and his parents and not with any of her own family, going on a van life thing, etc. We all just hope, pray, do the best we know how imo and when they are adults there is even less one can do, and judge too. I do it, several others are the best parents ever and never for one second didn't keep their kid in sight they will say in their lifetime. Talking when they are young in that one.

But the Laundrie mom and SS's mom are not that. Again I don't have words. They are beyond that. And I actually felt sorry for the L parents with being harassed daily outside their home by idiots just looking for attn imo even though I did not agree with what they were doing.

But I guess to get back to a point of yours, if the situation was reversed.... I don't think Gabby's parents were perfect either, none of us are. My opinion anyhow. For some reason she stayed in it, she probably hid things from them as any of us do, etc.

But the Laundrie mom and the SS mom I think are beyond any of that or most of us. I guess that is the best way i can put it. If none of us have regrets, hindsight or live and learn we are either lying or we just can't see and something far bigger is wrong...

Unless all of the tons of proof on SS are b.s. here by LE (and I doubt that)) well his mother really needs some help herself but she know sit all, and so that's not going to happen.

She's condoning, excusing, I don't know. All it makes me think is wondering more about that family and I wasn't but with this, I don't know.... It's not helping your how old son, it's trying to blind herself from how he got that way or something.