ST. CLOUD, Fla. – In a touching tribute to 13-year-old Madeline “Maddie” Soto, who tragically lost her life almost a year ago, family, friends, and members of the community came together at Lakefront Park in St. Cloud. They gathered to commemorate what would have been her 14th birthday.
During the gathering, attendees honored Maddie by celebrating her interests and passions, which included animals, music, and dancing. The event featured speakers who fondly recalled her love for singing, her active role in the middle school chorus, and her infectious enthusiasm for playing musical instruments.
“Maddie even danced to salsa music, which celebrated her Hispanic heritage,” one speaker said.
A poem written in Soto’s memory was read aloud:
One speaker emotionally expressed, “I couldn’t be sad around you, even if I tried. You were the sun, society is the moon. If you told us, we all would’ve believed you. I miss you. I miss you so much.”
Law enforcement said Soto was killed in Feb. 2024 by her mother’s boyfriend, Stephan Sterns, who is also accused of sexually assaulting her. Investigators said Sterns initially claimed he had dropped Soto off at Hunters Creek Middle School on Feb. 26, but she never arrived. Her backpack and laptop were later found in a dumpster at an apartment complex. Her body was discovered on March 1.
Sterns’ trial is scheduled for May. In a recent court motion, he requested that the judge bar the media and public from attending hearings. The judge has not yet ruled on that request.
Community members vowed to continue advocating for Soto and other children in her memory.
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