The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office in Florida is facing an investigation after a confidential crime scene photo — which included a dead body — was accidentally posted online following the discovery of the remains of 13-year-old Madeline Soto.
The image in question appeared on Sheriff Marcos López’s Instagram page over the weekend amid a series of snapshots of a community event for seniors. It featured a corpse dressed in a green top and blue jeans — an outfit matching the description of what Madeline was likely wearing when she was initially reported missing last week, Click Orlando reported.
“Great day with our seniors,” the caption of the post read, which also included a smiley face and an angel emoji.
Authorities have not confirmed whether it was Madeline in the photo, which has since been scrubbed from social media.
Florida State Attorney Andrew Bain’s Office has since asked the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate. The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office vowed to cooperate in the probe and has offered an apology for posting the photo.
“On March 2, 2024, a post was made on social media about a community event for seniors. In the post, an investigative photo was accidentally included,” an unnamed spokesperson in the sheriff’s office told the Orlando Sentinel. “The photo was immediately removed. We deeply apologize for any confusion or disturbance this may have caused. As with any investigation, the information obtained is confidential and any mistaken disclosures will be immediately rectified.”
Search teams located Madeline’s body in rural St. Cloud on Friday, less than 24 hours before the crime scene image appeared online. The teen was first reported missing on Feb. 26.
Authorities initially believed her mother’s 37-year-old boyfriend, Stephan Sterns, dropped her off a few blocks from Hunter’s Creek Middle School in Orlando — but they later determined she was never even in the vicinity of her school that morning.
Sterns was arrested Feb. 28 for sexual battery and possession of child sexual abuse material. While the charges are not related to Madeline’s case, authorities have dubbed Sterns the prime suspect.
No murder charges have yet been filed in connection with the teen’s slaying.
The Kissimmee Police Department, which is investigating Madeline’s death and disappearance, declined to comment on the photo posted by López.
“Our detectives and forensic unit are working tirelessly to uncover the truth behind this heartbreaking incident” the police department said in a post on X Wednesday. “At this time, we are unable to release any further information as this remains an active investigation.”
