Stephan Sterns is expected to appear before an Osceola County judge for an arraignment, during which he will be formally advised of the criminal charges filed against him and have the opportunity to enter a guilty,

After the arraignment, the State Attorney’s Office will have 45 days to decide whether to seek the death penalty for Sterns.

The man accused of killing 13-year-old Madeline Soto is expected to enter a plea during an arraignment hearing.

A grand jury indicted Sterns last week in the murder of Madeline Soto. Madeline disappeared in late February, and days later, her body was found in a wooded area of Saint Cloud. Monday’s court hearing is for an arraignment for the first-degree murder charge that was handed down to Sterns last week.

Stephan Sterns, the prime suspect in the death of 13-year-old Madeline Soto, has been charged with first-degree murder, records indicate.

Stephan Sterns has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of 13-year-old Florida girl Madeline Soto.

An Osceola County grand jury returned a first-degree murder indictment Wednesday against Stephan Sterns in the killing of 13-year-old Madeline Soto, but State Attorney Andrew Bain said he has not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty.

Stephan Sterns did not show up for his first appearance before a judge Thursday after being charged with first-degree murder in the death of 13-year-old Madeline Soto. RELATED: Stephan Sterns charged with first-degree murder in death of 13-year-old Madeline Soto