The courtroom is poised for legal contention as attorneys for Stephan Sterns, the man charged with the murder of 13-year-old Madeline Soto, push to exclude critical evidence. According to WESH, Sterns' defense team is seeking to have evidence from his cellphone and online account dismissed, drawing attention to how it was obtained by law enforcement.

Soto, who disappeared on Feb. 26, 2024, was later found deceased, with investigators implicating Sterns, her mother's former boyfriend, in her death. Significant to the case is the discovery of images and videos on Sterns' phone, which depict him allegedly molesting Soto. However, Sterns' attorney claims that the phone was taken unlawfully and without a proper warrant, as reported by ClickOrlando. Despite audio evidence suggesting Sterns consented to the phone search, the defense argues that he was not in a state fit to consent, citing the influence of anxiety medication and lack of food that day.

As the pretrial hearing approaches, set for today, the defense is also working to block the death penalty in this case. The Orange-Osceola state attorney's office had previously elected to pursue capital punishment. Nevertheless, Sterns' legal representation is arguing the constitutionality of the death penalty, seeking to eliminate it as a possible outcome.

Additional motions by the defense to suppress evidence come amidst claims that Sterns' constitutional rights were violated during the search, "This is the defense's attempt to try to eliminate or suppress evidence in the trial that the state can try to prove," commented David Haas, an attorney not directly involved in the case but who provided insight to WESH. Meanwhile, the evidence against Sterns is substantial, thanks in part to an investigation that found not only Soto's belongings disposed of by Sterns but also recovered child pornography and signs of ongoing abuse dating back to 2022 from the factory-reset phone.

Despite pleading not guilty to all charges, the state's case against Sterns currently hinges on the forthcoming rulings on the admissibility of the contested evidence. The results of today's proceedings will likely shape the dynamics of the trial as each side presents its arguments.