The Tragic Photo Mistake That Has Florida Demanding Answers After Teen's Murder

The image, which was shared with Fox Orlando, seemingly depicted the lifeless body of 13-year-old Madeline Soto in a secluded, grassy area.

The State Attorney's Office for the Ninth Judicial Circuit has requested the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to initiate an inquiry into the incident, as reported by the news outlet. The Osceola County Sheriff's Office, in a conversation with Fox Orlando, admitted that an investigative photograph was unintentionally included in a photo collage meant to highlight Sheriff Marcos Lopez's participation at a community event for senior citizens.

The Sheriff's Office issued an apology, stating, "A post was made on social media about a community event for seniors. In the post, an investigative photo was accidentally included. The photo was immediately removed. We deeply apologize for any confusion or disturbance this may have caused."

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State Attorney Andrew Bain expressed his deep disturbance over the careless public release of the photograph. However, he does not believe it will affect the ongoing investigation. "While I do not believe these photos will have any evidentiary impact on the case as of now, they were released in poor taste. Our main focus is making sure we get justice for 13-year-old Madeline Soto," he said.

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March 07, 2024

Fox News Digital has attempted to contact the Florida State's Attorney's Office, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for further comments.

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Madeline Soto was discovered dead several days after she disappeared on February 26, failing to arrive at school. "Instead we believe she was already dead at the time and that Stephan Sterns moved her body in the early morning hours on that day," stated Orange County Sheriff John Mina last week.

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The body of the young girl was found on March 1. Stephan Sterns, the boyfriend of Madeline’s mother, Jenn Soto, is currently the prime suspect in the case. Sterns was arrested last week on unrelated capital sexual battery charges, according to Kissimmee Police Chief Betty Holland.

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The Osceola County Sheriff's Office faced additional criticism over a second photograph posted by agency Executive Director Nirva Rodríguez, which depicted her standing in front of a handcuffed Sterns. The image was accompanied by a caption in Spanish, which translated to: "If God’s love has been poured out over your life, don’t allow evil to keep you away from what He has prepared for you," as reported by the Tampa Bay Times.

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Former Sheriff Russ Gibson, who is contesting against Lopez, expressed his shock and disgust after receiving both images from concerned citizens. "This is 100% unacceptable and 100% shameful and disrespectful to Madeline, her family and friends," Gibson wrote on his Facebook page. He added, "I do have a copy of the post but out of respect and reverence for Miss Madeline, the photograph will not be posted. The time for Marcos Lopez and certain members of his administration of dishonoring themselves, our agency, and our great County is coming to an end!"