The memorial for Madeline Soto, a 13-year-old girl who was found dead in Osceola County after being reported missing, is set to be relocated. The memorial, which lies on Hickory Tree Road in St. Cloud, is reportedly on private property. This is the same location where Madeline's body was discovered following her disappearance, as reported by WFTV.
Madeline Soto's case has moved many in the community, including Jenny Esquivel, a community advocate. Esquivel expressed the collective sorrow of the community, as cited by WFTV, saying, "This is what Maddie has left for us to honor her. It’s a heavy day for many of us." However, due to safety concerns about the memorial's proximity to the road and the lack of parking, there's agreement from both the landowner and county officials that it needs to be moved.
A release noted that the memorial, while on private land, had been a place for family, friends, and the broader community to honor Madeline. The landowner had initially allowed the memorial but after months, it was agreed it would have to move. Esquivel Mendez stated that efforts are being made to locate a permanent spot—intended not solely to honor Maddie but to serve as a remembrance for all children who have suffered similar fates. The sentiment was shared in a statement, as per ClickOrlando, which quoted Esquivel Mendez saying, "The owners had generously allowed the memorial on their site but it was requested the memorial be moved after four months."
The safety concerns about the original memorial location were to primarily prevent it from becoming a traffic or pedestrian hazard. "We don’t want this to become a safety issue," Esquivel stated, as per WFTV. During the coming weeks, she mentioned intentions to work with local and state government leaders to identify a safe, permanent location to commemorate Madeline's life and bring awareness to issues of child abuse.
Madeline Soto's disappearance and the subsequent discovery of her body spurred a criminal investigation leading to the arrest of Stephan Sterns, her mother’s boyfriend, on charges including sexual battery, child pornography, and first-degree murder.
