Body of Missing Florida Girl Found, Man Claiming to Be Disney Cast Member Arrested

WARNING: The following article mentions and/or discusses topics that may be distressing for certain audiences. Viewer discretion is advised.

On February 26, 13-year-old Madeline Soto, who lived in Orlando, Florida, was expected to be in class at Hunter’s Creek Middle School. However, she never showed up. The news concerned her family, who reported her missing at approximately 8:30 p.m. Just one day before, the now-panicking family had celebrated the young girl’s birthday.

Related: Missing Disney World Cast Member Could Be Victim of Domestic Violence or Drug Abuse

Sadly, we have a tragic update to share.

On March 2, the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office reported that they had found Madeline’s body in a wooded area. The discovery came just hours after they reported that they were “confident” that Madeline was no longer alive. Her family has been notified.

Related: Missing Disney World Cast Member Found Dead

Before Madeline’s body was discovered, police had already arrested a suspect. Stephan Sterns, the boyfriend of Madeline’s mother, was arrested on Wednesday night. He was charged with sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material. The 37-year-old was the last person to see her alive, and police allegedly found disturbing evidence of a sexual nature on his phone.

When Sterns was first arrested, it was revealed that Sterns’ Facebook page claimed he was a cast member at the Walt Disney World Resort. We do not know where in Disney World he claimed to work. However, Disney World quickly released a statement refuting the claims made on Sterns’ Facebook page.

Disney claims that Stephan Sterns does not work for the company, but didn’t say whether he previously worked for the company. Sterns FB says he’s a @WaltDisneyWorld cast member. Sterns is the prime suspect in the disappearance of 13-year-old Madeline Soto & was just arrested for having child p*orn on his phone.

Disney claims that Stephan Sterns does not work for the company, but didn't say whether he previously worked for the company.
Sterns FB says he's a @WaltDisneyWorld cast member.
Sterns is the prime suspect in the disappearance of 13-year-old Madeline Soto & was just arrested for… pic.twitter.com/05j2Wb41R4

— JLR© (@JLRINVESTIGATES) February 29, 2024

Disney did not mention if Sterns had worked at the Resort at any point in time, and Sterns’ Facebook page did not mention a specific time frame in which he claimed to have worked there.

Orange County Sheriff John Mina said there was video evidence linking Sterns to the crime. The video allegedly shows Sterns driving a car with Madeline’s lifeless body inside. The video also reportedly shows Sterns throwing away some of Madeline’s belongings.

We send our deepest condolences to Madeline Soto’s family and friends. May she rest in eternal peace.