KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Stephan Sterns, who is accused of raping and killing 13-year-old Madeline Soto, appeared in court Monday for a pre-trial hearing.
[WATCH: News 6+]
Sterns is facing two separate criminal cases: a first-degree murder trial, which is scheduled for September, and a sexual battery trial, which is expected to begin July 22.
During the hearing at the Osceola County Courthouse, a judge addressed three motions, including the motion to allow Sterns to appear in court without handcuffs and a motion regarding media coverage of the sexual battery trial.
The motion to remove Sterns’ restraints during proceedings was partially granted: Sterns will wear a hidden leg brace restricting movement, but he is allowed to use a felt-tip pen during the trial.
The judge also ordered media to follow Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.450, emphasizing no zooming in on defense computer screens.
The motion to remove newspapers from the courthouse lobby during Sterns trial was also granted.
Sterns, 39, has pleaded not guilty to raping and murdering Soto, who was the daughter of Sterns’ former girlfriend.
Soto was reported missing on Feb. 26, 2024, after she failed to show up for class at Hunter’s Creek Middle School. Sterns told police he drove Soto to school that morning.
[BELOW: Community holds vigil for Madeline Soto]
While searching for Soto, investigators said they uncovered images on Sterns’ phone and Google Drive that showed him raping the teen.
Authorities found Soto’s body four days later in a wooded area near St. Cloud. The teen had been strangled to death, the medical examiner determined.
In his first trial, Sterns is facing 60 criminal charges, including sexual battery on a child under the age of 12, lewd or lascivious molestation, and unlawful possession of materials depicting sexual performance by a child.
Prosecutors told the judge the state could call up to 12 witnesses during the sexual battery trial and expect their presentation to take about four days.
[BELOW: Interview of Sterns after Soto’s disappearance]