Stephan Sterns was sentenced to multiple life sentences in prison without the possibility of parole in the sexual assault and murder of Madeline Soto, part of a plea deal that avoided two public trials and removed the death penalty as a potential penalty.

As the investigation into Madeline Soto's death continues, News 6 provides a timeline of events stemming back to her initial disappearance.

One day before his sex crimes trial was scheduled to begin, Stephan Sterns will appear in court for a plea hearing.

Sterns was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on the murder charges and life in prison for the sex crime charges.

Stephan Sterns will avoid possible execution after entering a guilty plea to charges of murder and sexual battery.