The man accused of molesting and killing Madeline Soto shortly after her 13th birthday will go to trial next fall. Stephan Sterns, the boyfriend of Madeline's mother,
Jennifer Soto, faces charges of first-degree murder and 60 other offenses, including sexual battery, molestation, and possession of child pornography.
Hundreds of evidence photos offer a detailed view of the Kissimmee condo where Madeline lived with her mother and several roommates. The townhome, located in the gated Venetian Bay Villages community, belongs to Jennifer Soto's father. Soto and Madeline occupied the first floor, while two roommates lived in upstairs bedrooms. At one point, Stephan Sterns rented the third upstairs bedroom, which was otherwise unoccupied.
As the investigation continues, a newly released interview shows that law enforcement has provided Jennifer Soto with "derivative immunity," a legal protection ensuring her statements cannot be used against her in future prosecution.
Soto gave the interview under an investigative subpoena and provided new details about her on-and-off relationship with Stephan Sterns and the hours leading up to her realization that Madeline was missing.