In a somber update, the Orange County Sheriff's Office declared on Friday its confidence that 13-year-old Florida girl Madeline Soto, reported missing earlier this week, is no longer alive.

The heart-wrenching news was delivered to Madeline's mother, Jenn Soto, during a Friday afternoon press conference by Orange County Sheriff John Mina.

Sheriff Mina shared that detectives believe Stephan Sterns, the boyfriend of Jenn Soto, is the prime suspect in Madeline's presumed death.

Sterns, arrested on Wednesday night on unrelated charges, is now in custody on child porn and sexual battery charges, according to Fox35.

Despite the serious charges, he has not been formally accused in connection with the missing Florida girl's murder.

Chilling Events Unfold: Sterns' Actions Unveiled

Sterns was observed driving his silver 2010 Lincoln MK car, with Madeline Soto's lifeless body reportedly still inside, after disposing of her backpack and laptop in the trash.

The 13-year-old was reported missing on Monday night in Orlando, Florida, after being last seen that morning near Town Loop Boulevard and Hunter's Park Lane.

Addressing the devastating turn of events, Sheriff Mina conveyed the heartbreaking news to missing Florida girl s mother on Thursday night.

The ongoing investigation suggests that Madeline was never dropped off at Hunter's Creek Middle School on Monday morning and that Sterns, allegedly, moved her body in the early morning hours after causing her death in Kissimmee, The Daily Mail reports.

Sheriff Mina emphasized, "We believe he moved her body in those early morning hours, and all that is still under investigation."

Surveillance footage witnessed Sterns disposing of items into a dumpster at a Kissimmee apartment complex at 7:45 AM on Monday.

The precise details surrounding this disturbing act remain part of the ongoing investigation.

During a subsequent interview with detectives, Sterns claimed to have dropped Madeline off in front of Peace United Methodist Preschool at 8:40 AM, contradicting the middle school's location and schedule.

Madeline's mother discovered her daughter's absence when attempting to pick her up at 4:30 PM on Monday.

Community in Mourning: Vigil Held for Madeline Soto

Expressing deep sorrow for the tragic loss, Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Maria Vazquez issued a statement, extending condolences to Madeline's family and the school community.

Dr. Vazquez highlighted the availability of counselors to support students and staff dealing with the distressing news.

A vigil for Madeline took place on Friday near Hunter's Creek Middle School in Orlando, drawing a sizable crowd in attendance as the community grapples with the loss of one of their own, Click Orlando noted.

Sterns was transferred on Friday from the Orange County jail to the Osceola County jail.

As the investigation unfolds, the Orange County Sheriff's Office is tirelessly following every lead and piece of evidence to uncover the truth behind the tragic fate of 13-year-old missing Florida girl Madeline Soto.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Madeline Soto's body found in wooded area after 5 day search - From Fox35 Orlando