OSCEOLA COUNTY, FL — A critical evidentiary decision looms in the case against Stephan Sterns, the man accused of sexually abusing and murdering 13-year-old Madeline “Maddie” Soto, as a judge prepares to rule on whether key cellphone evidence will be allowed in court.

In April, a multi-day hearing unfolded in an Osceola County courtroom, focusing on the legality of how investigators obtained data from Sterns’ cell phone. Sterns’ defense team is trying to block that evidence, claiming it was unlawfully seized — an issue that could significantly affect both the upcoming trial and the larger case, according to WFTV.

The Core of the Dispute

At the heart of the dispute is whether Sterns consented to the search of his phone. Sterns testified that detectives took his phone without a warrant, claiming he only gave limited permission to view certain information.

“I consented only to them looking at the Google Maps and to see if I was logged into Google in the first place,” Sterns said during the hearing, according to WESH.

His defense maintains that investigators exceeded the scope of that consent, arguing that Sterns’ physical and mental state at the time — including a lack of sleep and food — could have compromised his judgment. They claim law enforcement acted improperly, trying to sidestep the warrant process.

“Law enforcement has consistently overstepped bounds, knew that they didn’t have enough for a warrant to get into his phone at first, sought a way to get around that and kept going until they can get to it,” one of Sterns’ attorneys argued, per WESH.

However, prosecutors argue that Sterns gave verbal consent, gave detectives his phone passcode, and even had the exchange recorded.

“When I explained to him what we wanted to do with the cellphone, I asked him if I had his consent to download the phone or if I had to obtain a search warrant,” said Detective Maira Tagler, according to WESH.

“And did the defendant consent to downloading the phone?” an attorney for the state asked.

Tagler replied, “He did.”

Why It Matters

Prosecutors say videos found on Sterns’ phone show him raping Madeline over a period of years.

According to WESH, investigators began focusing on Sterns after these videos allegedly surfaced. The defense wants to keep that evidence out, which could drastically alter the strength of the prosecution’s case.

This legal battle over evidence is tied specifically to the sex abuse charges. Sterns also faces a separate murder charge for allegedly killing Maddie a day after her 13th birthday party. Prosecutors intend to use any conviction in the sex crimes case as an aggravating factor in the murder trial, potentially to support the death penalty.

What’s Next

Judge Michael Murphy has not ruled on the admissibility of the cellphone evidence yet but is expected to make a decision by June 30, WFTV reported.

Sterns’ trial on the sex abuse charges is set to begin July 14, and the ruling could determine what evidence the jury will ultimately see.

During the hearing earlier this week, Sterns appeared in court for the second day in a row. On Tuesday, his legal team unsuccessfully tried to delay proceedings, citing confidential information they were not prepared to reveal publicly.

“Defense has come into information that at this time, defense is not in a position to divulge to the court, or in open court,” Assistant Public Defender Alesha Smith said, according to WESH.

Judge Murphy denied the request, replying pointedly, “So your good cause is secret?”

“Essentially, judge,” Smith responded.

What to Watch

• The judge’s ruling on the phone evidence (expected by June 30) could reshape both the sex abuse and murder cases.
• The start of Sterns’ sex crimes trial (scheduled for July 14) will mark the next major development.
• The murder trial—which has yet to be scheduled—may depend in part on the outcome of the sex crimes trial.
• Potential for the death penalty if prosecutors successfully argue that the sexual abuse conviction supports a harsher sentence.