A Night Gone Wrong: The Rand Hooper and Graham McCormick Tragedy

Resources/Sources/Links:New York Times Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/09/us/tim-ballard-sound-of-freedom-sex-trafficking.htmlRyan Fisher & Carah Burrellhttps://www.youtube.com/@CarahBurrellTim Ballard Lawsuits on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/tim-ballards-all-99128808?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_linkPLAYLIST: Tim Ballard; O.U.R., Hidden True Crime https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnLc7I2gyWtQ_S6j3LBcldM4vircDLN0S&si=NhfLjKxOuQa7Ou-aPLAYLIST: Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt, Hidden True Crime: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnLc7I2gyWtS4nL0-uvR9OwDVx26lR5in&si=aeyT6oElq8Ho9QKVPLAYLIST: Chad Daybell/Lori Vallow, Beyond The Veil Season:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnLc7I2gyWtSWYHlUVC7HH-HVfXCyCaYa&si=PVUxU0ZHk1mQcKcSHeather Daybell, Sister-in-law to Chad Daybell: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoiFMYmrRRgRyan Fisher | Mormon Stories Podcasthttps://youtu.be/0l-rqJyyF0g?si=Ea_xoSspnZrOOa2d Visions of Glory Part 1, Mormon Stories/Hidden True Crime Collab https://www.youtube.com/live/9eyqYLlGwBk?si=rhtKwUBPG_csACDVPrepper Mayhem, Mormon Stories/Hidden True Crime Collab https://www.youtube.com/live/a-6kT1w63QA?si=tIUJS6nqLuN04Tjx Community Education Channel | Glenn Beck joins Operation Underground Railroad https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8JAe9ASvhkOur Sponsors:* Check out Bandai Namco: https://unknown9.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME* Check out Acorns: acorns.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME* Check out Artifact Uprising and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: www.artifactuprising.com* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: happymammoth.com* Check out Hero Bread and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: www.hero.co* Check out Quince: quince.com/hiddentruecrime* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com* Give Armoire a try and get up to 50% off their first month, that’s up to $125 OFF! Just visit armoire.style/HIDDENTRUECRIME. * Go to sunbasket.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME today to save $120 across your first 4 deliveries!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/hidden-a-true-crime-podcast1836/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Case Background:Madeline Soto was a 13-year-old girl living in Kissimmee, Florida. She was initially reported missing on February 26, 2024, after her mom, Jennifer Soto, went to pick her up from school and Madeline was nowhere to be found.At the time, Jennifer Soto told police that Madeline was dropped off across the street from her school in a church parking lot by her mom's long-time/live-in boyfriend, Stephan Sterns. Stephan Sterns said he watched Madeline walk from the church parking lot towards the school but didn't watch Madeline walk all the way to see that she made it in.A massive 4-day search effort by multiple law enforcement agencies to find Madeline quickly ensued.In the immediate aftermath of her disappearance, investigators turned their attention to Stephan Sterns. Law enforcement found several disturbing pictures and videos on his phone of Madeline. He was later arrested on 60 charges, including capital sexual battery, lewd or lascivious molestation, and unlawful possession of materials depicting sexual performance by a child.Tragically, on March 1, 2024, Madeline was found deceased near a wooded area on Hickory Tree Rd. in Osceola County. This is the same area where Stephan Sterns's car was reported as being seen on the day Madeline went missing.Through several press conferences and news statements, law enforcement has stated that they believe that Madeline was already dead the morning she disappeared and that Stephan Sterns was actually moving her body at the time he was supposed to take her to school.Police also revealed that security footage shows Stephan Sterns dumping Madeline's backpack and her school laptop in an apartment complex dumpster at 7:35 am that morning. Additionally, police have video footage of Stephan Sterns returning to the dumpster, with what appears to be Madeline visibly deceased in the car.In April of 2024, Stephan Sterns was indicted on first-degree murder by a grand jury. On June 10, 2024, prosecutors announced that they will be seeking the death penalty against Stephan Sterns for Madeline's murder.About Hidden True Crime:Lauren Matthias was a television reporter for a decade and has followed the Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell case since 2019. She and her husband, Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, started Hidden True Crime in 2020 with their Season, 'Beyond the Veil,' a psychological deep dive into the doomsday murders and prophet.What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a forensic psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling.Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrimeOur Sponsors:* Check out Bandai Namco: https://unknown9.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME* Check out Acorns: acorns.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME* Check out Artifact Uprising and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: www.artifactuprising.com* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: happymammoth.com* Check out Hero Bread and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: www.hero.co* Check out Quince: quince.com/hiddentruecrime* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com* Give Armoire a try and get up to 50% off their first month, that’s up to $125 OFF! Just visit armoire.style/HIDDENTRUECRIME. * Go to sunbasket.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME today to save $120 across your first 4 deliveries!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/hidden-a-true-crime-podcast1836/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Case Background:Madeline Soto was a 13-year-old girl living in Kissimmee, Florida. She was initially reported missing on February 26, 2024, after her mom, Jennifer Soto, went to pick her up from school and Madeline was nowhere to be found.At the time, Jennifer Soto told police that Madeline was dropped off across the street from her school in a church parking lot by her mom's long-time/live-in boyfriend, Stephan Sterns. Stephan Sterns said he watched Madeline walk from the church parking lot towards the school but didn't watch Madeline walk all the way to see that she made it in.A massive 4-day search effort by multiple law enforcement agencies to find Madeline quickly ensued.In the immediate aftermath of her disappearance, investigators turned their attention to Stephan Sterns. Law enforcement found several disturbing pictures and videos on his phone of Madeline. He was later arrested on 60 charges, including capital sexual battery, lewd or lascivious molestation, and unlawful possession of materials depicting sexual performance by a child.Tragically, on March 1, 2024, Madeline was found deceased near a wooded area on Hickory Tree Rd. in Osceola County. This is the same area where Stephan Sterns's car was reported as being seen on the day Madeline went missing.Through several press conferences and news statements, law enforcement has stated that they believe that Madeline was already dead the morning she disappeared and that Stephan Sterns was actually moving her body at the time he was supposed to take her to school.Police also revealed that security footage shows Stephan Sterns dumping Madeline's backpack and her school laptop in an apartment complex dumpster at 7:35 am that morning. Additionally, police have video footage of Stephan Sterns returning to the dumpster, with what appears to be Madeline visibly deceased in the car.In April of 2024, Stephan Sterns was indicted on first-degree murder by a grand jury. On June 10, 2024, prosecutors announced that they will be seeking the death penalty against Stephan Sterns for Madeline's murder.Audio Credit: Gray Hughes Investigates   / @grayhughesinvestigates  About Hidden True Crime:Lauren Matthias was a television reporter for a decade and has followed the Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell case since 2019. She and her husband, Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, started Hidden True Crime in 2020 with their Season, 'Beyond the Veil,' a psychological deep dive into the doomsday murders and prophet.What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a forensic psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling.Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrimeOur Sponsors:* Check out Bandai Namco: https://unknown9.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME* Check out Acorns: acorns.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME* Check out Artifact Uprising and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: www.artifactuprising.com* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: happymammoth.com* Check out Hero Bread and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: www.hero.co* Check out Quince: quince.com/hiddentruecrime* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com* Give Armoire a try and get up to 50% off their first month, that’s up to $125 OFF! Just visit armoire.style/HIDDENTRUECRIME. * Go to sunbasket.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME today to save $120 across your first 4 deliveries!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/hidden-a-true-crime-podcast1836/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Case Background:Madeline Soto was a 13-year-old girl living in Kissimmee, Florida. She was initially reported missing on February 26, 2024, after her mom, Jennifer Soto, went to pick her up from school and Madeline was nowhere to be found.At the time, Jennifer Soto told police that Madeline was dropped off across the street from her school in a church parking lot by her mom's long-time/live-in boyfriend, Stephan Sterns. Stephan Sterns said he watched Madeline walk from the church parking lot towards the school but didn't watch Madeline walk all the way to see that she made it in.A massive 4-day search effort by multiple law enforcement agencies to find Madeline quickly ensued.In the immediate aftermath of her disappearance, investigators turned their attention to Stephan Sterns. Law enforcement found several disturbing pictures and videos on his phone of Madeline. He was later arrested on 60 charges, including capital sexual battery, lewd or lascivious molestation, and unlawful possession of materials depicting sexual performance by a child.Tragically, on March 1, 2024, Madeline was found deceased near a wooded area on Hickory Tree Rd. in Osceola County. This is the same area where Stephan Sterns's car was reported as being seen on the day Madeline went missing.Through several press conferences and news statements, law enforcement has stated that they believe that Madeline was already dead the morning she disappeared and that Stephan Sterns was actually moving her body at the time he was supposed to take her to school.Police also revealed that security footage shows Stephan Sterns dumping Madeline's backpack and her school laptop in an apartment complex dumpster at 7:35 am that morning. Additionally, police have video footage of Stephan Sterns returning to the dumpster, with what appears to be Madeline visibly deceased in the car.In April of 2024, Stephan Sterns was indicted on first-degree murder by a grand jury. On June 10, 2024, prosecutors announced that they will be seeking the death penalty against Stephan Sterns for Madeline's murder.About Hidden True Crime:Lauren Matthias was a television reporter for a decade and has followed the Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell case since 2019. She and her husband, Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, started Hidden True Crime in 2020 with their Season, 'Beyond the Veil,' a psychological deep dive into the doomsday murders and prophet.What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a forensic psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling.Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrimeOur Sponsors:* Check out Bandai Namco: https://unknown9.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME* Check out Acorns: acorns.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME* Check out Artifact Uprising and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: www.artifactuprising.com* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: happymammoth.com* Check out Hero Bread and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: www.hero.co* Check out Quince: quince.com/hiddentruecrime* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com* Give Armoire a try and get up to 50% off their first month, that’s up to $125 OFF! Just visit armoire.style/HIDDENTRUECRIME. * Go to sunbasket.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME today to save $120 across your first 4 deliveries!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/hidden-a-true-crime-podcast1836/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Scott Mitchell is not only a former NFL Quarterback, but he also happened to grow up with convicted killer Chad Daybell. Daybell even published Mitchell's memoir after Mitchell appeared on Season 16 of "The Biggest Loser". Mitchell says there isn't a day that goes by that he doesn't think of what Daybell did, and he sits down with Hidden True Crime hosts Lauren and John Matthias at their dinner table to process how the man he knew became the convicted serial killer behind bars. The Down and Dirty with Scott Mitchell and OC PodcastSubscribe and listen to Scott Mitchell's podcast below, as a former NFL QB and MMA Champion discuss the down and dirty in sports as they see it today:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-down-and-dirty-with-scott-mitchell-and-oc/id1754022375Follow Scott on X: https://x.com/thedowndirty49?lang=enOur Sponsors:* Check out Bandai Namco: https://unknown9.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME* Check out Acorns: acorns.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME* Check out Artifact Uprising and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: www.artifactuprising.com* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: happymammoth.com* Check out Hero Bread and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: www.hero.co* Check out Quince: quince.com/hiddentruecrime* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com* Give Armoire a try and get up to 50% off their first month, that’s up to $125 OFF! Just visit armoire.style/HIDDENTRUECRIME. * Go to sunbasket.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME today to save $120 across your first 4 deliveries!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/hidden-a-true-crime-podcast1836/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

After an evening of drinking with close friends at Rand Hooper's parents' home, Rand and his best friend, Graham McCormick, took Rand’s boat out for a night drive. This was the last time Graham would be seen alive. The following day, nobody knew where Graham was.After a search ensued, Graham's body was discovered in Carter Creek, 2 miles from Rand Hooper's parents' home. The medical examiner determined that Graham died from drowning, with blunt-force trauma contributing to his death.Initially, Rand mentioned nothing about being on a boat with Graham the night before. Instead, he said that he, Graham, and other friends spent the night drinking and playing cards before going to bed.However, as the investigation revealed more details, including that the boat crashed while Rand was driving, Rand was later charged with felony murder and other serious charges.About Hidden True CrimeLauren Matthias was a television reporter for a decade and has followed the Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell case since 2019. She and her husband, Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, started Hidden True Crime in 2020 with their Season, 'Beyond the Veil,' a psychological deep dive into the doomsday murders and prophet.What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a forensic psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling.Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrimeOur Sponsors:* Check out Bandai Namco: https://unknown9.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME* Check out Acorns: acorns.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME* Check out Artifact Uprising and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: www.artifactuprising.com* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: happymammoth.com* Check out Hero Bread and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: www.hero.co* Check out Quince: quince.com/hiddentruecrime* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com* Give Armoire a try and get up to 50% off their first month, that’s up to $125 OFF! Just visit armoire.style/HIDDENTRUECRIME. * Go to sunbasket.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME today to save $120 across your first 4 deliveries!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/hidden-a-true-crime-podcast1836/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Court TV Interview with Matt Johnson:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1dZ5I_OLUQ Lauren Matthias was a television reporter for a decade and has followed the Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell case since 2019. She and her husband, Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, started Hidden True Crime in 2020 with their Season, 'Beyond the Veil,' a psychological deep dive into the doomsday murders and prophet.What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a forensic psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling.Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrimeCourt TV Interview with Matt Johnson:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1dZ5I_OLUQ Our Sponsors:* Check out Bandai Namco: https://unknown9.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME* Check out Acorns: acorns.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME* Check out Artifact Uprising and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: www.artifactuprising.com* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: happymammoth.com* Check out Hero Bread and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: www.hero.co* Check out Quince: quince.com/hiddentruecrime* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com* Give Armoire a try and get up to 50% off their first month, that’s up to $125 OFF! Just visit armoire.style/HIDDENTRUECRIME. * Go to sunbasket.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME today to save $120 across your first 4 deliveries!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/hidden-a-true-crime-podcast1836/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jeff German, an investigative reporter for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, was deeply dedicated to his work—a commitment that might have ultimately cost him his life. Jeff was a well-known figure in the community, celebrated for his fearless coverage of notorious mobsters, corrupt politicians, and criminals. In September 2022, he was fatally stabbed by an attacker outside his residence. Prosecutors allege that Robert Telles, a local politician, is responsible and was later charged with Jeff's murder.Shop early access to Beam's Labor Day Weekend sale! Click https://shopbeam.com/hiddentruecrime and use code TRUECRIME to save up to 40% for a limited time. Telles Testimony Livestreams - Law & Crime Networkhttps://www.youtube.com/live/lJg51eoYifI?si=wXoip-Dw1zQVU94phttps://www.youtube.com/live/YtcLGWbh8Ls?si=dayUueJC3pWdYDz6https://www.youtube.com/live/yU49DxAXB_E?si=KfVWrjouey3PzQI4Lauren Matthias was a television reporter for a decade and has followed the Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell case since 2019. She and her husband, Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, started Hidden True Crime in 2020 with their Season, 'Beyond the Veil,' a psychological deep dive into the doomsday murders and prophet.What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a forensic psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling.Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrimeOur Sponsors:* Check out Bandai Namco: https://unknown9.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME* Check out Acorns: acorns.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME* Check out Artifact Uprising and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: www.artifactuprising.com* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: happymammoth.com* Check out Hero Bread and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: www.hero.co* Check out Quince: quince.com/hiddentruecrime* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com* Give Armoire a try and get up to 50% off their first month, that’s up to $125 OFF! Just visit armoire.style/HIDDENTRUECRIME. * Go to sunbasket.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME today to save $120 across your first 4 deliveries!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/hidden-a-true-crime-podcast1836/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Warning: This episode discusses topics related to sexual violence. Please listen with caution.Case Background:Madeline Soto was a 13-year-old girl living in Kissimmee, Florida. She was initially reported missing on February 26, 2024, after her mom, Jennifer Soto, went to pick her up from school and Madeline was nowhere to be found.At the time, Jennifer Soto told police that Madeline was dropped off across the street from her school in a church parking lot by her mom's long-time/live-in boyfriend, Stephan Sterns. Stephan Sterns said he watched Madeline walk from the church parking lot towards the school but didn't watch Madeline walk all the way to see that she made it in.A massive 4-day search effort by multiple law enforcement agencies to find Madeline quickly ensued.In the immediate aftermath of her disappearance, investigators turned their attention to Stephan Sterns. Law enforcement found several disturbing pictures and videos on his phone of Madeline. He was later arrested on 60 charges, including capital sexual battery, lewd or lascivious molestation, and unlawful possession of materials depicting sexual performance by a child.Tragically, on March 1, 2024, Madeline was found deceased near a wooded area on Hickory Tree Rd. in Osceola County. This is the same area where Stephan Sterns's car was reported as being seen on the day Madeline went missing.Through several press conferences and news statements, law enforcement has stated that they believe that Madeline was already dead the morning she disappeared and that Stephan Sterns was actually moving her body at the time he was supposed to take her to school.Police also revealed that security footage shows Stephan Sterns dumping Madeline's backpack and her school laptop in an apartment complex dumpster at 7:35 am that morning. Additionally, police have video footage of Stephan Sterns returning to the dumpster, with what appears to be Madeline visibly deceased in the car.In April of 2024, Stephan Sterns was indicted on first-degree murder by a grand jury. On June 10, 2024, prosecutors announced that they will be seeking the death penalty against Stephan Sterns for Madeline's murder.News Reports & Interviews:WFTV Channel 9https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvUdnLGAqtoCourt TVhttps://www.youtube.com/@COURTTVAbout Hidden True Crime:Lauren Matthias was a television reporter for a decade and has followed the Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell case since 2019. She and her husband, Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, started Hidden True Crime in 2020 with their Season, 'Beyond the Veil,' a psychological deep dive into the doomsday murders and prophet.What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a forensic psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling.Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrimeOur Sponsors:* Check out Bandai Namco: https://unknown9.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME* Check out Acorns: acorns.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME* Check out Artifact Uprising and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: www.artifactuprising.com* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: happymammoth.com* Check out Hero Bread and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: www.hero.co* Check out Quince: quince.com/hiddentruecrime* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com* Give Armoire a try and get up to 50% off their first month, that’s up to $125 OFF! Just visit armoire.style/HIDDENTRUECRIME. * Go to sunbasket.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME today to save $120 across your first 4 deliveries!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/hidden-a-true-crime-podcast1836/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Warning: This episode discusses topics related to sexual violence. Please listen with caution.Case Background:Madeline Soto was a 13-year-old girl living in Kissimmee, Florida. She was initially reported missing on February 26, 2024, after her mom, Jennifer Soto, went to pick her up from school and Madeline was nowhere to be found.At the time, Jennifer Soto told police that Madeline was dropped off across the street from her school in a church parking lot by her mom's long-time/live-in boyfriend, Stephan Sterns. Stephan Sterns said he watched Madeline walk from the church parking lot towards the school but didn't watch Madeline walk all the way to see that she made it in.A massive 4-day search effort by multiple law enforcement agencies to find Madeline quickly ensued.In the immediate aftermath of her disappearance, investigators turned their attention to Stephan Sterns. Law enforcement found several disturbing pictures and videos on his phone of Madeline. He was later arrested on 60 charges, including capital sexual battery, lewd or lascivious molestation, and unlawful possession of materials depicting sexual performance by a child.Tragically, on March 1, 2024, Madeline was found deceased near a wooded area on Hickory Tree Rd. in Osceola County. This is the same area where Stephan Sterns's car was reported as being seen on the day Madeline went missing.Through several press conferences and news statements, law enforcement has stated that they believe that Madeline was already dead the morning she disappeared and that Stephan Sterns was actually moving her body at the time he was supposed to take her to school.Police also revealed that security footage shows Stephan Sterns dumping Madeline's backpack and her school laptop in an apartment complex dumpster at 7:35 am that morning. Additionally, police have video footage of Stephan Sterns returning to the dumpster, with what appears to be Madeline visibly deceased in the car.In April of 2024, Stephan Sterns was indicted on first-degree murder by a grand jury. On June 10, 2024, prosecutors announced that they will be seeking the death penalty against Stephan Sterns for Madeline's murder.News Reports & Interviews:WFTV Channel 9https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvUdnLGAqtoCourt TVhttps://www.youtube.com/@COURTTVAbout Hidden True Crime:Lauren Matthias was a television reporter for a decade and has followed the Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell case since 2019. She and her husband, Dr. John Matthias, a criminal psychologist, started Hidden True Crime in 2020 with their Season, 'Beyond the Veil,' a psychological deep dive into the doomsday murders and prophet.What started as a simple conversation at their dinner table became a captivating podcast. Join the dynamic duo of Dr. John Matthias, a forensic psychologist, and Lauren Matthias, an investigative journalist, as they delve into the psychological facets of unthinkable crimes every week. Their unique perspectives and in-depth analysis offer a fresh take on true crime storytelling.Thank you for your support through sponsorships, subscribing, listening, and becoming a Patreon member at Patreon.com/HiddenTrueCrimeOur Sponsors:* Check out Bandai Namco: https://unknown9.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME* Check out Acorns: acorns.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME* Check out Artifact Uprising and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: www.artifactuprising.com* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: happymammoth.com* Check out Hero Bread and use my code HIDDENTRUECRIME for a great deal: www.hero.co* Check out Quince: quince.com/hiddentruecrime* Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: www.rosettastone.com* Give Armoire a try and get up to 50% off their first month, that’s up to $125 OFF! Just visit armoire.style/HIDDENTRUECRIME. * Go to sunbasket.com/HIDDENTRUECRIME today to save $120 across your first 4 deliveries!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/hidden-a-true-crime-podcast1836/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy