In a heartfelt assemblage of song and spoken word, the community of St. Cloud gathered at Lakefront Park to remember Madeline "Maddie" Soto on the occasion of what would have been her 14th birthday. Almost a year after her murder, the tribute saw family, friends, and residents celebrating Maddie's life and her passions, which included a love for animals, music, and dance. ClickOrlando detailed the celebration, highlighting her affinity for salsa music and underscoring her connection to her Hispanic heritage.
Tragedy struck the community last year when Maddie was reported missing on February 26 and later found deceased on March 1 on Old Hickory Tree Road, according to a remembrance event reported by FOX 35 Orlando. At the memorial, Terasina Niles, Maddie’s step-aunt on her paternal side, urged those gathered to be advocates for the voiceless and to take action if they witness wrongdoing. "If you see something, please say something, because time is of the essence and can be unforgiving," Niles implored.
Both gatherings focused on not only recollecting Maddie’s spirit but also on advocacy and seeking justice in her case. Stephan Sterns, the boyfriend of Maddie's mother, is currently facing allegations of Maddie's murder and has been accused of sexually assaulting her. He is scheduled for trial in May this year. The case gained further attention when he recently motioned to bar the media and public from attending court hearings, a decision that remains pending by the judge.
