Digest

This podcast delves into the tragic case of 13-year-old Maddie Soto, who was found murdered in 2024. The investigation centers around the suspect, Stefan Stern, Maddie's mother's boyfriend, who is accused of sexually abusing and killing her. The podcast explores the disturbing details of the case, including evidence of a long-term pattern of abuse, the suspect's controlling behavior, and the potential involvement of Maddie's mother, Jennifer Soto. The episode begins with the report of Maddie's disappearance and the initial investigation, which raises suspicions about the suspect's calm demeanor. As the investigation progresses, disturbing evidence emerges, including surveillance footage showing Maddie's mother's car at the crime scene and the suspect's emails from jail complaining about his living conditions. Experts discuss the suspect's behavior, including his frequent trips back to the crime scene and his lack of remorse. The podcast then reveals shocking revelations about the suspect's phone, which contained thousands of explicit photos and videos of Maddie dating back to when she was eight years old. This evidence suggests a long-term pattern of abuse and raises questions about the mother's knowledge and potential involvement. A psychologist discusses the common behavior of pedophiles who target women with children, highlighting the mother's lack of protection for Maddie. The episode further explores the suspect's lies, including his fabricated story about Maddie falling asleep on the way to school. Surveillance footage reveals that Maddie's body was propped up and buckled into the car seat, contradicting the suspect's account. The suspect's emails from jail continue to focus on his own comfort and well-being, further demonstrating his lack of remorse. The podcast concludes with a plea for anyone with information about the case to come forward. The investigation is ongoing, and the goal is to seek justice for Maddie.

Outlines

00:00:00

Maddie Soto's Disappearance and Initial Suspicions

The episode begins with the report of 13-year-old Maddie Soto's disappearance. Her mother and boyfriend are interviewed, but their calm demeanor raises suspicion.

00:00:26

Disturbing Evidence and the Suspect's Behavior

New evidence reveals that Maddie's mother's car was driven back and forth between their home and the location where Maddie's body was found. The suspect, Maddie's mother's boyfriend, is in jail and sending emails complaining about his living conditions.

00:01:00

Expert Analysis of the Suspect's Behavior

Experts discuss the suspect's behavior, including his frequent trips back to the crime scene and his complaints from jail. They speculate on his motivations and the possibility of a larger network involved.

00:14:06

Shocking Revelations and the Suspect's Relationship with Maddie

A data dump reveals thousands of explicit photos and videos of Maddie on the suspect's phone, dating back to when she was eight years old. The suspect's relationship with Maddie and her mother is explored, raising questions about the mother's knowledge and potential involvement.

00:30:41

Seeking Justice for Maddie

The state seeks the death penalty for the suspect in Maddie's murder case. Experts discuss the evidence of sexual assault and the challenges of determining the extent of the abuse due to the time Maddie's body was exposed to the elements. The episode concludes with a plea for anyone with information about the case to come forward. The investigation is ongoing, and the goal is to seek justice for Maddie.

Keywords

Q&A

• What evidence suggests that Maddie's mother's car was driven to the crime scene?

  Surveillance footage shows a white Nissan, owned by Maddie's mother, making the same trip as the suspect's Lincoln from their apartment to the location where Maddie's body was found.

• Why is the suspect's behavior in jail considered suspicious?

  The suspect is constantly complaining about his living conditions, including his mattress, food, and lack of exercise. This behavior is seen as self-centered and indicative of a lack of remorse for Maddie's death.

• What evidence suggests that Maddie was sexually abused for years?

  Thousands of explicit photos and videos of Maddie were found on the suspect's phone, dating back to when she was eight years old. This evidence suggests a pattern of abuse that spanned several years.

• How could the mother have not known about the abuse?

  The suspect lived with Maddie and her mother in a small apartment. The mother's lack of awareness or inaction raises questions about her potential involvement in the crime.

• What are the challenges of determining the extent of the abuse from Maddie's body?

  The fact that Maddie's body was exposed to the elements for several days makes it difficult to determine the extent of the abuse. However, forensic pathologists can still look for evidence of old bruising or abrasions to indicate past sexual assault.

Show Notes