Photo: Orange County Sheriff's Office
Authorities have charged 37-year-old Stephan Sterns for raping and killing 13-year-old Madeline Soto. The young girl disappeared from her home in Kissimmee, Florida, on February 26.
Her body was found on March 1, one day after Sterns was arrested in connection with her disappearance. After he was taken into custody, investigators conducted a forensic examination of his phone and found "disturbing images" that were "criminal and sexual in nature."
They said that Sterns had been sexually abusing Soto for at least two years. He was charged with 60 counts related to sexually assaulting Soto and being in possession of child pornography.
On April 24, a grand jury indicted Sterns on charges of capital murder.
"We appreciate the efforts of our partners in the State Attorney's Office in assisting with seeking justice for Madeline," Kissimmee Police Chief Betty Holland said Wednesday. "With this being a complex case with many facets, our work is not done, and we are continuing our investigation into the timeline leading up to Madeline's death."
Prosecutors said they are undecided if they will seek the death penalty against Sterns.