Breaking: Records reveal a new timeline in the Madeline Soto case Sterns is charged with first-degree murder in Soto’s death. While the documents released do not give insight into why Sterns was charged with Soto’s death, it does show why Sterns was arrested on charges of sexual battery and child pornography. According to a case supplemental report, a detective interviewed Sterns at the residence he shared with Soto and Soto’s mother.