Stephen Sterns wants to keep his trial private and is arguing to bar the public and media from the courtroom.
The defendant’s public defender, Alesha Smith, used a PowerPoint presentation to illustrate to the judge the extensive following the case has garnered on various platforms such as podcasts, TikTok, Reddit, and YouTube. Smith labeled this attention as unprecedented and contended that it would hinder the possibility of a fair trial.
In contrast, Minch Minchin, representing multiple news outlets, argued that both Florida and U.S. courts have consistently upheld the importance of keeping court proceedings open to the public. Minchin stated that being in the spotlight does not automatically lead to bias, and impartial jurors can be achieved without necessitating ignorance of the case.
Judge Keith Carsten said he would rule within 10 days.
Simultaneously, law enforcement authorities made public 35 recorded phone calls from jail between Sterns and his parents. In these recordings, Sterns mentioned that he found Maddie to be extremely cold, with her lips turning blue. He also expressed regret for not calling 911. In response, his mother, Debra Sterns, echoed his sentiment by saying, “I wish you had too.”
Joining Nancy Grace today:
Additional Guest
Shannon Butler – Investigative Reporter at WFTV Channel 9 in Florida
Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” is also a national radio show on SiriusXM channel 111, airing for two hours daily starting at 12 p.m. EST. You can also subscribe and download the daily podcasts at iHeart Podcasts.
[Feature Photo: Maddie Soto/Handout]
