Attorneys for Stephan Sterns, the Kissimmee man facing child sex abuse and murder charges in the death of Madeline Soto, have filed a motion requesting closure of all pretrial proceedings to the public and media, citing concerns over prejudicial publicity and the impact on his right to a fair trial.
The motion, scheduled to be heard Thursday (today) at 9:30 a.m. at the Osceola County Courthouse, argues that the case has drawn intense media attention not only in Osceola County but throughout Florida and internationally. According to the defense, ongoing press coverage and social media discussions—spanning social media platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter)—pose a significant risk to the integrity of the trial process.
Sterns, 38, is charged with first degree murder, sexual battery on a child under 12, possession of child sexual abuse material. He is suspected of killing the 13-year-old, the daughter of his on-again, offagain girlfriend, at some point on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. Her body was discovered along Hickory Tree Road south of St. Cloud on Friday, March 1.
Sterns’ attorneys assert that widespread media coverage has already tainted public opinion. They argue that further exposure to pretrial motions and evidentiary hearings could jeopardize his ability to receive an impartial jury. Attorneys have filed dozens of motions on his behalf with a number having to do with barring the death penalty as a possible sentence if he is convicted. Others ask that much of the evidence from the case be suppressed.
The motion references both U.S. and Florida constitutional protections, emphasizing that public discussions of evidence—some of which may later be ruled inadmissible— could irreparably harm Sterns’ case. Specific concerns include disclosure of statements made by Sterns to law enforcement, the medical examiner’s findings and potential testimony from minor victims.
The defense has not yet asked for a change of venue, but contends that even if one were granted, the extent of media coverage would make finding an impartial jury anywhere in Florida nearly impossible. They argue that closing future hearings is the only effective way to prevent further pretrial publicity from undermining the legal process.
The filing acknowledges that multiple pretrial motions are forthcoming—in addition to the dozens already filed on both the murder and sexual abuse charges—including requests to suppress evidence, exclude testimony and limit prejudicial material. The defense claims that previous filings have already been analyzed and widely discussed by the media and online commentators, further reinforcing their concern over bias.
The Orange-Osceola County State Attorney’s Office declined to comment on the matter because it is an active prosecution.
