Even Florida has been less likely to seek the death penalty in recent years, but the state is choosing to seek it against Stephan Sterns for the murder of Madeline Soto. Although it appears that society has largely chosen to opt for life without parole more often than the death penalty in recent years, the Madeline Soto case has all of the aspects that would encourage people to once again opt for the ultimate punishment.
Madeline Soto Lost Her Life
We have previously discussed the details of Madeline’s untimely passing along with the charges that her alleged murderer was facing. Since then, the additional information that has been released recently by law enforcement keeps getting worse and worse.
For example, Sterns was seen entering a business’s parking garage around 9:40 AM on February 24, 2024. The video shows Sterns lifting what appears to be Madeline’s limp body from the passenger side of the front of the vehicle and placing her in the trunk. This is consistent with different surveillance videos from businesses that showed her appearing already deceased, seated in the passenger seat of the vehicle.
As if Jenn Soto was not already the most alarming mother of the year, she also let law enforcement know that sometimes Madeline and Stephan would sleep in a bed alone together ‘so she could get some sleep because sometimes all three of them sleep in the same bed.’ She was aware that when she was not there, the two often slept in the same bed together. Allegedly, the 13-year-old couldn’t sleep alone and needed someone to ‘cuddle’ with. Needless to say, many people have questions about Jenn Soto’s possible awareness of alleged abuse.
Stephan Sterns Is Facing Death Penalty
In order for the death penalty to be sought by the state of Florida, there have to be aggravating factors associated with the murder. As in, all murder is bad, but this murder is really, really bad. Soto’s murder is particularly atrocious for a handful of reasons, and the state lists them all.
His prior convictions at the time of the murder trial (the 60-sex charges) will apply. Abusing Madeline or attempting to abuse her during the murder is also a factor not in his favor. The circumstances surrounding Soto losing her life are considered ‘especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel.’ Last but not least, Sterns was in a position of authority in the family unit at the time of her death. Despite just being a boyfriend, Stephan was often described as Soto’s stepdad.
We don’t know if Florida’s Ole Sparkie needs to be pulled from the closet and warmed up in preparation for the alleged perpetrator, Stephan Sterns. However, Florida has a strong case for the chair in this case.
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