The Murder Of Maddie Soto

About The Murder Of Maddie Soto

In this gripping new series, Tony Brueski, the acclaimed host of the Hidden Killers Podcast and True Crime Today, delves deep into the harrowing and complex case of Maddie Soto's murder. This investigative series sheds light on the tragic loss of a young girl whose life was cut short under mysterious and sinister circumstances. With each episode, Brueski takes listeners on a detailed journey through the layers of the case, focusing on the primary suspect, Stephan Sterns, whose actions and motives come under intense scrutiny. The podcast also explores the ambiguous role of Jennifer Soto, Maddie's mother, whose connection to the case raises more questions than answers. Was she merely an unsuspecting guardian, or is there more to her story than meets the eye? Through exclusive interviews, meticulous research, and engaging narrative, Brueski aims to unravel the complexities surrounding Maddie's death, the legal battles that followed, and the community's quest for justice. Listeners will be taken behind the headlines to understand the implications of the evidence, the psychological profiles of those involved, and the legal intricacies that have made this case both fascinating and heart-wrenching. "The Murder of Maddie Soto" is more than just a true crime podcast; it's an in-depth exploration of a small community shattered by tragedy, the enduring fight for justice, and the haunting memory of a life lost too soon. Join Tony Brueski as he seeks answers and accountability in one of the most perplexing and tragic cases in recent memory. "The Murder of Maddie Soto" is a must-listen for true crime aficionados and anyone who believes in the pursuit of truth and justice.

Publisher

Hidden Killers Podcast

Category

news · news · true crime

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

27 Mar 2024

Latest episode

12 Sept 2025

Latest episodes

134 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Sept 2025

   From Jen Soto To Jake Harrow: Why America’s Child Protection System is Broken Beyond Repair

   From Jen Soto To Jake Harrow: Why America’s Child Protection System is Broken Beyond Repair The final segment of this Hidden Killers Live breakdown brings the conversation to its most haunting point: how could Jake Haro ever be rated “low risk” after nearly killing his first child? Tony Brueski and Shavaun Scott examine the checklist mentality of child protective services and probation programs, where compliance and paperwork are valued over real-world judgment. Shavaun shares a devastating personal case from her career: a young boy she warned was unsafe with his mother, only for the court to ignore her. On the first unsupervised weekend visit, the child was killed in a preventable accident. The discussion reveals how overworked caseworkers, undertrained judges, and overloaded systems consistently push dangerous parents back into homes, leaving children to suffer or die. They highlight the staggering statistic that 50% of child fatalities occur in families already known to CPS, and yet the cycle continues. Tony and Shavaun close with a passionate call for reform, demanding more accountability, better training, and a fundamental shift away from blind faith in rehabilitation toward prioritizing child safety above all else. Hashtags: #CPSFailures #HiddenKillers #EmmanuelHaro #ChildAbuse #SystemFailure #TonyBrueski #ShavaunScott #ChildProtection #TrueCrime #LowRisk Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod (https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod) Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ (https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/) Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ (https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/) Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod (https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod) X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod (https://x.com/tonybpod) Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872)

2. 

   26 Jul 2025

   Live Courtroom Audio Stephan Sterns Pleads Guilty (No Contest) To Maddie Soto's Murder & Abuse-WEEK IN REVIEW

   Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news. This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events. Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience. Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week in Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle. Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod (https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod) Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ (https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/) Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ (https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/) Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod (https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod) X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod (https://x.com/tonybpod) Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872)

3. 

   22 Jul 2025

   Live Courtroom Audio: Stephan Sterns Pleads Guilty (No Contest) To Maddie Soto's Murder & Abuse

   Live Courtroom Audio: Stephan Sterns Pleads Guilty (No Contest) To Maddie Soto's Murder & Abuse Stephan Sterns is officially going to die in prison. He pleaded no contest to the murder of 13-year-old Maddie Soto and guilty to a devastating series of sex crimes—eight counts of capital sexual battery, multiple counts of sexual abuse, and lewd molestation. It was a courtroom heavy with grief, rage, and unhealed wounds. But one person was conspicuously silent. In this episode, we take you inside the courtroom where Sterns faced the consequences of his horrific crimes—and where Jennifer Soto, Maddie’s own mother, neither spoke nor was mentioned as a participant. While family after family member delivered gut-wrenching victim impact statements, Jennifer stayed out of sight. So now that Sterns has taken the plea deal, will Jennifer Soto finally be held accountable? Prosecutors no longer need her as a witness. There's no trial. No risk of her pleading the Fifth. Just a pile of deeply disturbing facts that paint a picture of a mother who ignored—or accepted—clear red flags. We walk through: The full breakdown of the plea agreement and sentencing Maddie’s family confronting Sterns with heartbreak and fury The legal implications of Sterns’ no contest plea And the question: Does this now open the door for charges against Jennifer Soto? We also highlight shocking court admissions—like the fact that Maddie’s mom allowed her to sleep in the same bed as Sterns, and her previous police statement claiming the “sex stuff wasn’t evil.” How does that not rise to criminal neglect? This episode is not just about one man’s sentencing—it’s about what happens next in the pursuit of full justice for Maddie Soto. 🎧 Listen now to Hidden Killers with Tony Brueski. Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod (https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod) Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ (https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/) Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ (https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/) Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod (https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod) X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod (https://x.com/tonybpod) Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

5,685,874

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

2.4 / 5

17 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 81 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

96

Social presence

0

YouTube

93

Engagement

71

Contact The Murder Of Maddie Soto

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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