Orange County Sheriff John Mina revealed that the investigation into 13-year-old Madeline Soto’s disappearance has taken a tragic turn. Following the recovery of her backpack and school-issued laptop from a dumpster, authorities now sadly believe that Madeline is deceased.
The City of Kissimmee Police Department and Orange County Sheriff’s Office investigation into the disappearance of Madeline Soto has uncovered video and other evidence that gives reason to believe Madeline Soto was never dropped off at her school and was likely not alive during the early morning hours. The case is now being investigated as a homicide.
The Kissimmee Police Department is dedicated to recovering Madeline and is conducting extensive searches with the assistance of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Saint Cloud Police Department, and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information on this case is urged to come forward and assist in locating Madeline.
On Monday, February 26 between 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., in the area of HW-192 and Old Hickory Tree Rd, as well as Old Hickory Tree Rd and Nolte Rd., Stephan Sterns was seen driving a Silver 2010 Lincoln MKZ with FL Tag: IYLL82. During this timeframe, it is believed Sterns had a flat tire and might have been seen changing it in this area. If anyone saw this vehicle, or noticed anything suspicious, the Kissimmee Police Department is asking that they call CRIMELINE at 800.423.TIPS or go to crimeline.org
