Justice For Maddie Soto: Big Breakdown Of Stephan Sterns Jail Calls Part 1
Hidden Killers With Tony Brueski | True Crime News & Commentary
True Crime Today
3.3 • 907 Ratings
🗓️ 24 June 2025
⏱️ 119 minutes
🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS
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Summary
Description:
This episode begins our in-depth examination of the jailhouse phone calls made by Stephan Sterns following his arrest in connection to the March 1, 2024, death of 13‑year‑old Madeline “Maddie” Soto in Osceola County, Florida. In Part 1, we focus on the first clips released—especially Call 1—where Sterns expresses a surprisingly calm demeanor, casually noting he’s been shifted between pods and that he missed his mother’s birthday . The episode plays out the shock and uncertainty as he informs his parents of the first-degree murder charge for Maddie’s death .
We explore the context: Sterns was initially arrested on suspicion of sexual abuse shortly after Maddie’s body was discovered, and indictment on first‑degree murder charges followed two months later . As police review the secluded wooded area where Maddie was found, detectives are also digging into digital evidence, including Sterns’ phone and online activity . We break down his emotional tone—his detachment, his tone of denial—and how it contrasts sharply with the anguish of the grieving family and a community in shock. Sterns’ initial framing of the incident as “snapping” hints at admission of guilt, but also reveals scapegoating behavior.
By exploring public records and the content of that first call, this episode lays the groundwork for deeper psychological insight into Sterns, while assessing how his statements will affect legal strategy and public perception. Join us for the first step into the shocking audio evidence.
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#JusticeForMaddie #StephanSterns #JailCallPart1 #TrueCrimeRevealed #MaddieSoto
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | This is the big breakdown. |
| 0:02.2 | A long look back at some of the biggest stories we're covering for you at the Hidden Killers podcast and True Crime Today. |
| 0:09.1 | This is Hidden Killers with Tony Brewski. |
| 0:12.2 | Here now, Tony Bruske. |
| 0:15.7 | What you're about to hear is the first of 11 jailhouse phone calls between Stefan Stearns, as you see right here, |
| 0:25.0 | and his parents. |
| 0:27.1 | Stefan, as many of you already know, is facing the unthinkable charges of first-degree murder |
| 0:33.5 | and the death of 13-year-old Madeline Soto. |
| 0:41.2 | It's a case that we've been covering now for quite some time, |
| 0:51.1 | and these calls are very eye-opening. He's also charged with child exploitation as well, after evidence revealed that he had been sexually abusing. |
| 0:55.3 | Madeline Soto for many years. |
| 0:57.6 | In this first call, we're dropped straight into the emotional chaos. |
| 1:02.8 | Birthday's miss, confusion about charges, logistical issues over commissary, |
| 1:09.5 | and the jarring contrast of everyday parental love colliding |
| 1:15.5 | with horrifying legal realities. |
| 1:21.4 | Pay close attention to his parents and try to give them some grace. |
| 1:28.0 | There's a complicated dance here they're doing |
| 1:31.0 | between concern, disbelief, and resignation. |
| 1:35.0 | They're grappling with the grief |
| 1:37.0 | of potentially losing their son |
| 1:39.2 | to the system |
| 1:41.6 | while also desperately trying to piece together what led to this moment. |
... |
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