Saturday would have been Madeline Soto’s 14th birthday.
But, instead of gathering for a birthday party—like the last time many people saw her alive on Feb. 25, 2024—friends and advocates gathered at St. Cloud’s Lakefront Park to share memories of a vibrant girl taken from this earth far, far too soon.
They gathered with a couple questions on their minds: When will her accused killer go to trial?
And … what can we do to prevent this from happening again?
This week marks the one-year anniversary of “Maddie”’s disappearance, and the week-long search for her, leading to the discovery of her body behind brush along Hickory Tree Road on March 1.
Investigators have charged Stephan Sterns, Soto’s mother’s boyfriend, with her murder, along with 60 charges of sexual battery and having graphic photos of her on his phone. In the days after her disappearance, Sterns said he dropped Maddie off at a church near Hunters Creek Middle School the morning of Feb. 26.
Sterns is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on the sexual battery charges, but his defense team has filed a motion to close all hearings to the public and media, and to eliminate the death penalty, which prosecutors wish to pursue, as a punishment.
But, Saturday was more about Maddie’s life than her death—her love of music, fashion, animals—she wanted to be a veterinarian—and making TikTok videos.
“She was full of love, and was trying to find her way, her own identity, like other teenagers,” said community advocate Nancy Roska. “Maddie will forever live in our hearts. Her legacy takes form through love, care and protection of other children.”
Jenny Esquivel, a fellow community advocate using the tragedy as leverage to make changes in laws and protective services, said justice for Maddie is just as much about understanding this tragedy as it is a court finding.
“Maddie became the patron of many children out there by the ultimate sacrifice she paid,” she said. “All children have the right to a dignified life, care and protections, not only by parents but by child protection agencies and lawmakers. We must be mindful of the dangerous message the lack of enforcement and consequences sends to our community, which encourages neglect and abuse.”
Esquivel said Saturday it’s her hope that Maddie’s name isn’t forever linked to names in headlines and those looking to profit off the story which would only sully her memory.
“Maddie took other children under her wings,” she said. “Her legacy is ever-significant. The ripple effect from this is where others feel encouraged to come forward and speak out. Support and encouragement should never be denied.
“Be the voice of those too frightened to say something. It shouldn’t take a death to feel compelled to care, protect and report.”
Singer Beth Vandal performed a cover of “Dancing in the Sky” she developed for the occasion.
“I hope you’re dancing in the sky … I hope you’re singing with the angels,” the lyrics poignantly called.
A poem, written by one of Maddie’s friends and delivered by another on Saturday, emotionally called out that, “If you told us, we all would’ve believed you … I miss you so much, but I feel okay knowing you’re doing fine up above.”
A number of the plush stuffed animals—just a fraction of the 700 or so left at a memorial along the road where her body was discovered—were on display Saturday. While advocates for Soto say they are still looking for a place to permanently display those, they did say Saturday that a plaque and bench to honor Maddie will be placed at the St. Cloud park, overlooking East Lake Toho.
A letter of support from St. Cloud Mayor Chris Robertson was read by Doug Goerke, chief of St. Cloud Police, one of a number of agencies that assisted in the investigation.
“Maddie’s story serves as an unfortunate reminder that abuse and violence against children may come from the hands that are entrusted with loving them the most,” the letter read. “Children in our community shall forever feel unconditional support, and their voices will always be heard.”
