Officials in Florida have expressed confidence that 13-year-old Madeline Soto, who went missing on Monday in Kissimmee, is no longer alive, attributing her disappearance to her mother's boyfriend. The Orange County Sheriff's Office announced on Friday that they believed Stephan Sterns, 37, was responsible for her demise, and the search for Madeline's body is currently underway.

Sheriff John Mina addressed the press, informing them that detectives had met with Madeline's mother the previous night to deliver the distressing news and initiate the search for her daughter's remains. "I wish we were here to tell you that we have found Madeline, but we have not found her," Sheriff Mina stated during the briefing. "Our detectives have determined that Madeline was never dropped off on the morning of February 26 near her school. Instead, we believe she was already dead."

Authorities have come across video evidence linking Mr. Sterns to the disposal of crucial items, including Madeline's backpack and the school-issued laptop, into a dumpster behind their apartment building at approximately 7.35 am. These findings substantiate their suspicion that Madeline met a tragic fate. The case is reportedly being transferred to the Kissimmee Police Department, who will be pursuing capital sexual battery charges against Mr. Sterns.

Kissimmee Police Chief Betty Holland has disclosed that her officers are currently investigating Mr. Sterns' activities on February 26. The department has shared images of Mr. Sterns' vehicle, which he was seen driving between 1 pm and 2.30 pm in the vicinity of State Road 192 and Old Hickory Tree Road, where it is believed he experienced a flat tire.

Sheriff Mina assured the public that Madeline's mother is not presently considered a suspect in the case. It was reported earlier this week that she was only made aware of her daughter's disappearance when she visited the school on Monday afternoon.

As the search for Madeline's body continues, the community eagerly awaits the resolution of this distressing mystery, while authorities work diligently to ensure justice is served.