Defense Seeks Secrecy in Trial of Osceola Man Accused of Killing Madeline Soto
Attorneys for Stephan Sterns, the Osceola County man accused of murdering 13-year-old Madeline Soto and facing more than 60 child sex abuse charges, have filed a series of motions in court, including a request to close all pretrial proceedings to the public.
Sterns, who remains in custody, is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on April 23, with a trial date set for May 5. The new motions filed this week by his legal team aim to limit public and media access to case proceedings, citing concerns about potential jury bias.
The case has attracted widespread attention, given the disturbing allegations against Sterns. Prosecutors have accused him of extensive child sex abuse crimes in addition to the murder of Madeline Soto, a case that has shaken the Osceola County community.
Legal experts say closing pretrial proceedings is an uncommon request and could spark debate about transparency in the judicial process. “This is a case that has deeply impacted the public, and restricting access to court proceedings could raise concerns about accountability,” said former prosecutor Lisa Carter.
However, defense attorneys argue that intense media coverage could jeopardize Sterns’ right to a fair trial. “The court has an obligation to ensure due process is protected,” Sterns’ legal team stated in their filing.
Public reaction to the motion has been mixed, with many demanding transparency in a case involving child victims. “We need to know what’s happening in that courtroom,” said local resident Maria Delgado. “Justice for Madeline should be seen, not hidden behind closed doors.”
The brutal murder of Madeline Soto and the horrific allegations against Sterns have led to widespread outrage, with community members calling for the maximum penalty if he is convicted. Prosecutors have not disclosed whether they will seek the death penalty.
With the trial date approaching, all eyes remain on how the court will rule on Sterns’ motions and whether the proceedings will remain open to the public.
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