Madeline Soto, a 13-year-old girl from Florida, went missing on Monday, February 26, 2024, after being dropped off near Hunter’s Creek Middle School.
Despite the arrest of their prime suspect, Stephan Sterns, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is still searching for Maddie.
Maddie was last seen wearing a green jacket, black shorts, and white Crocs in the area of the 13500th block of Town Loop Boulevard in Orlando.
Surveillance footage shows her in a church parking lot, but she never made it inside the church or to school that day.
Her mother expressed concern for her daughter’s safety and hoped for her safe return. Maddie’s disappearance is described as “every parent’s worst nightmare” by Orange County Sheriff John Mina. Over 100 law enforcement officials are involved in the search for the missing teen.
Stephan Sterns, who was dating Maddie’s mother at the time of her disappearance, faces charges for sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material. Disturbing images and videos were found on his phone, prompting his arrest by the Kissimmee Police Department.
Law enforcement officials are determined to find Maddie and bring her home. Maddie’s loved ones are seeking answers and closure as the investigation continues.
While the situation remains unresolved, efforts to locate Maddie persist as the community hopes for her safe return.
