ST. CLOUD, Fla. – Nearly a year after 13-year-old Madeline “Maddie” Soto was murdered, family, friends, and community members gathered at Lakefront Park in St. Cloud to honor her on what would have been her 14th birthday.

Attendees paid tribute by celebrating Soto’s passions, including animals, music, and dancing. Speakers shared memories of her love for singing, her participation in middle school chorus, and her enthusiasm for musical instruments.

“Maddie even danced to salsa music, which celebrated her Hispanic heritage,” one speaker said.

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A poem written in Soto’s memory was read aloud:

“I couldn’t be sad around you, even if I tried. You were the sun, society is the moon. If you told us, we all would’ve believed you. I miss you. I miss you so much.”

Law enforcement said Soto was killed in Feb. 2024 by her mother’s boyfriend, Stephan Sterns, who is also accused of sexually assaulting her. Investigators said Sterns initially claimed he had dropped Soto off at Hunters Creek Middle School on Feb. 26, but she never arrived. Her backpack and laptop were later found in a dumpster at an apartment complex. Her body was discovered on March 1.

Sterns’ trial is scheduled for May. In a recent court motion, he requested that the judge bar the media and public from attending hearings. The judge has not yet ruled on that request.

Community members vowed to continue advocating for Soto and other children in her memory.