Intense Interrogation of Jennifer Soto and Stephan Sterns in Disappearance of 13-Year-Old Madeline Soto

True Crime Today | A True Crime Podcast

Newly released video footage captures the intense interrogation of Jennifer Soto and Stephan Sterns by deputies investigating the disappearance of 13-year-old Madeline Soto. The footage underscores the urgency and seriousness of the investigation as law enforcement seeks to uncover the truth about the missing girl.
"Do you have any idea of where she could be?" a detective pressed Sterns, who was expected to take Madeline to school on the day she vanished. Sterns, visibly anxious, responded, "No. None at all. No."
As the interrogation unfolded, deputies revealed a critical piece of evidence: Madeline's backpack had been found in the trash. "Well, I can confidently tell you she did not go to school with her backpack," the investigator stated. Sterns, taken aback, asked, "How’s that?" The detective explained, "Because we found it in the trash. So, I’m pleading with you to dig down and do some soul-searching."
Sterns was taken into custody, and deputies conducted a forensic examination, removing his clothing for evidence. The video shows him sitting in handcuffs, visibly shaken, before being led out.
With the pressure mounting, Sterns ultimately requested an attorney, prompting deputies to end the questioning. Shortly thereafter, he was arrested. "Do you want to know what you’re being detained for?" the detective inquired, revealing the serious charges against him: "Capital sexual battery and possession of child pornography."
In a separate interview, Jennifer Soto expressed her emotional turmoil as she recounted the day she learned her daughter was missing. "Can I get a tissue?" she asked, her voice trembling. "At some point, I emailed one of the teachers asking if she made it to class. I checked her attendance, and she didn’t make it at all," she explained.
During her interview, deputies also questioned Soto about her awareness of any abuse Madeline may have faced. "If I knew what to tell you, I would tell you. I don’t know anything," she replied, conveying her confusion and heartache.
Currently, only Sterns has been charged in connection with Madeline's disappearance, leaving many questions unanswered for the family and the community.
The investigation is ongoing, with Sterns scheduled to appear in court on October 14.
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