00:00:00 Intro 00:02:40 Welcome, Sunny! 00:04:45 Sunny's expertise 00:15:00 Can one excuse Jenn's behavior? 00:20:00 Grooming 00:29:00 Complications in Maddie's life? 00:32:42 How can a mother not know? 00:36:25 Makeshift room commentary 00:45:30 Investigation continues 00:47:38 Feelings of guilt, does JS have them? 00:54:00 Passive and alarming behaviors 01:05:10 How she reacts to the sex crimes unit 01:11:19 "they begged for sleepovers" 01:15:48 "Wood Allen situation" 01:21:20 "never trust a man" 01:36:25 Lessons from Sunny 01:40:34 Derivative-use immunity discussion 01:52:18 Debrief and Outro FULL CASE PLAYLIST: ruclips.net/p/PL0cYrgj38mhp8jbDI-QRMLrcFMxL-BTLJ
I’m a nurse with 25yrs experience working in a inpatient mental health unit specialising in child and adolescent patients and also I have worked casual shifts in a high risk adult mental health unit during this time and I can tell you even with a diagnosis of bipolar she knows right from wrong. I also think she seems to have a personality disorder more than bipolar. She is an enabler who I feel has used a mental health diagnosis to use others to get thru life..
@@Tigers2099 very well put and thank you for your professional comment that helps me and others to understand on a deeper level on a topic that I don't know anything about which is bipolar!
To point out at the Woody Allen comment, Jen said, that when Maddie turns 18 they'll run off together. I told him he cant DO THAT TO ME! Not, You cant do that TO MY DAUGHTER. she only saw it as something being done TO HER!
I said I thought Jen got mad and killed Maddie and Stephan was involved somehow as well. She tokd him he had ti take care of it or she was going to out him on the SA crap. If she didjt do it, SHE KNEW when it happened
@Tigers2099 I would LOVE to get your advice/opinion on a situation involving a 7yr and 5yr old boys. Ik its hard to give much in a message but just to discuss it would help me greatly.
The woody Allen comment shows her jealousy of Maddie. She didn’t want Maddie to grow up and run away with him. 🤮 she is SICK! She needs to be in jail TODAY!
I AGREE 100% That vile person deserves prison time !! All she could say was, " Oh, that's maddie sleeping." Then all she says is She's dead , very quite , didn't ask about SEX CRIME UNIT ETC.....BS !! When we lost our youngest child and only daughter April ann at age 19 5 months after graduating high school here in Texas ( from medical malpractice), I screamed , yelled in the hospital , I couldn't even be left alone, I'm still not ok daily !!! then I was angry many months later and went after the Dr for his lack of responsibilities. I went to the Texas medical review board to make sure he never killed another child / person. I never get to see my precious daughter get married, go to college. Have a child . THAT VILE PERSON I HAVE YET TO SEE UPSET 😡. This truly truly bothers me . God bless you & everyone reading this . I loved listening to Ms. Sunny's thoughts . As I know now, We all who feel she needs to be in jail aren't alone !!! MRS .josette Texas 🙏
Maybe now that Maddie was becoming a woman, he wasn't getting aroused any more, but he needed fresh content for who ever he shared those pics and videos with. Just a thought
The one thing about being a parent is you will not always have a good night sleep. Your child gets sick, or has bad dreams or they worried about something. That’s parenthood! Your child comes first every time !!!!!!
@@internkrisatadapshe needs to sit in prison and think about all of that. Because she victimized her child for years just like the police in the interview confronted her.
"you can't do that to me", what about saying you can't do that to Maddie. She's so self absorbed, she was only thinking if you run off with Maddie, you won't want me anymore. No care for how much it will destroy Maddie's life being subjected to him. It's vile. This woman is vile!
She's awesome, and she's original and she cares. Very respectful professional she does it way better than everybody else. Really kind to her fan base too, she doesn't belittle them like some other channels do. Lol
My red flags with Jen and why I have refused to give her the benefit of the doubt is how she speaks about her responsibility for Madi, she only says "I know this looks bad" and "I know I should care for her" everything she says is removing herself from not protecting her daughter, I feel she was jealous of her and continues to blame her, EVEN AFTER SHE KNEW WHAT STEPHEN DID TO HER. saying "she would beg me to stay up with him, and I would give in" absolutely no mother would allow a child to "hang out" all night with your boyfriend/friends with benefits, even if they begged....it's all not okay and she refuses to admit that, she is so concerned about optics and how she looks to other people. Madi was entirely invisible to her, except to use as a scapegoat for her emotional instability. She is narcissistic and emotionally immature.
I also wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt but the biggest red flag to me is that he hadn't stayed there in months and they were broken up. Then the first night he's back, she sends them to sleep together away from her. And Maddie loses her life. The FIRST night he's back after being apart for months?
I'm a retired lawyer. So Jennifer "sent" (her word) Madeline and SS to bedroom #4 on the second floor -- which has a single-sized (38 inches wide) bed! SS was 6'2", 220 lbs. and Maddie was 5'1" 110 lbs. In Jennifer's criminally negligent mind, how were Maddie and SS going to fit on the bed? With a tripod and a loaded (12 bullet magazine & another magazine in a bag on the table) Sig Sauer pistol [$600-$1000] in Bedroom #4, along with a bottle of mastur__ cream, and only one pillow, what more does DA Andrew Bain need? Plus, crucially, the "Woody Allen" admission! JS: I've always told him that my biggest fear that "this" would turn into a Woody Allen situation. "This" - meaning SS's abuse of Maddie. JS knew "always" of the abuse and feared that it would turn into a committed relationship between SS and Maddie. JS told SS "always" of her fear. Florida statute 827.03 says that "neglect of a child" means "A caregiver’s failure to make a reasonable effort to protect a child from abuse, neglect, or exploitation by another person." The "neglect of a child may be based on repeated conduct or on a single incident or omission that results in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, serious physical or mental injury, or a substantial risk of death, to a child." Felony neglect of a child can be proved by a single "incident or omission" in Florida! The "Queen for a day" proffer session was begun, unusually and likely as part of a deal, by on-the-record waiver of law enforcement's case or cases regarding JS's prior lies to law enforcement, most notably, her lies that she saw Maddie at 8:00 am off for school on the day, February 26th, Maddie went "missing." And that she knew what Maddie was wearing. MS's current position is that though she sleeps with the door ajar on the first floor, she didn't hear loud noises during the night that the roommate heard, that she didn't notice that daughter was murdered, probably violently as pictures of SS's knuckles show that they are quite red, implying punching, and the pictures show scratches on his hand, most likely from Maddie defending herself. JS didn't notice that SS walked through the front door - next to her bedroom, to carry Maddie's body down the stairs and to his car and take the time to prop Maddie's body up in the front seat. He then drove to the dumpster and tossed in Maddie's backpack and school laptop at 7:35 am. Then SS left the complex at 7:50 a.m. Yet, JS was awake around this time because SS entered her bedroom to try to leash the dog, and JS got out of bed to help him - though she didn't notice scratches on SS's hands or his red knuckles. Indeed, she said to police and wrote in a statement that she saw Maddie, alive and well, at 8:00 am,, leave for school and even described Maddie's clothing. JS has since admitted those statements were false. But she still maintains that she didn't see any of the bad things and went back to sleep. JS's position is that she didn't notice that SS still had Maddie, deceased, propped up in the front seat of his car, when he returned to the apartment at 8:19 am, for unknown reasons. (SS lied and said he returned to get his "clicker," but the guard at the gate saw the "clicker" in SS's hands.) The proffer session was JS's chance to come clean = and not be prosecuted for what she said. I don't think JS's admission of long-term fears that "this would turn into a Woody Allen situation, " though not usable to prosecute her for neglect of a child, clears her of that charge. There are pics of csam with Maddie in them from the age of 8, and she died just after turning 13. There's plenty of evidence that JS neglected her child and failed to protect her for years. What JS should have done at her proffer was come clean about her knowledge or long-held suspicions that SS was SA'ing Maddie, describing every suspicion or event and why she failed to do anything about it. That would have given her immunity from being prosecuted for crimes related to those statements. But she chose to protect SS, duck and cover, be vague, and hinder the investigation. It's possible that JS is thought of as a negligent, mentally messed up mom who grieves in a weird way and is a small fish, and not worth the resources, since the DA has two DP cases against SS on his hands to prepare. I hope not. JS deserves criminal charges of at least neglect of a child. In addition, I don't believe her when she says that she never told SS that Maddie had missed her period in February. SS admits to knowing about when Maddie's period occurred - strange, of course, for a mom's on-again off-again bf to know about. Also, since MS said she thought her daughter was a virgin, why track the girl's periods? Unless Maddie's periods were important data for both SS and JS as "this" was turning into a Woody Allen situation?
Excellent comment, but I will only refute 1 thing. The police photographs of the bedroom upstairs clearly show a double or queen sized bed, NOT a twin size. There is 1 pillow on 1 side of the bed. No pillow on the other side.
Sunny is hitting the nail on the head about Jenn. I’ve wanted to be very careful not to “hate” on Jenn and blame her for what Stephen did but . . .it’s helpful to have Sunny’s perspective.
@@stellaallbright4750 that is a terrible thing to say. God forbid you are ever in this situation. You have no clue as to how cunning and manipulative these Predators are. Sunny’s Husband was arrested the day after her daughter told. I hope and pray nothing like this ever happens to you or anyone you know. The guilt you feel as a Mother is the worst you will ever feel. 🙏🙏
@@stellaallbright4750it’s a fair question TBH. It’s also a question Sunny directly answers not only in this interview but in many past interviews as well. For me there’s a clear difference between JS and Sunny’s story. Sunny acted immediately when she discovered the abuse of her daughter. She was extremely vocal, demanded LE act quickly, she saw the criminal case through to the conviction & his trial. Most importantly, for me anyway, was the immediate action Sunny took as the mother. She kept the abuser from all of her children, she reached out to professionals to help, not only her daughter, but also her other children and herself. Sunny’s reaction to learning about the abuse was totally opposite to that of Jen Soto. Jenn did nothing, nor did she say anything to ANYONE to stop the abuse. Her reaction was simply to let SS know that SHE doesn’t want to be left all alone if this 🐖 runs off to have a life with her minor daughter (Woody Allen reference) That’s what I see as differences in these 2 mom’s. 🙂
Sunny, thank you! I was the victim of a male public school teacher between the ages of 9 and 11, and I guarantee that my parents had NO idea. None. He had myself, as well as other children at the school, so terrified that it was only after one dear little girl came forward to another teacher that it came out. He was tried and convicted. Please do not feel guilty Sunny. You are not alone, and you did nothing wrong. I’m glad to hear you got help too.
I am so sorry that happened to you! And I’m also very glad that your abuser is behind bars! Your parents didn’t know, but I believe Jenn knew, about everything!!!! It’s just so sick and twisted. Maddie deserved so much better.😢
Thank you, @Osage80, I’m thinking that Jennifer Soto knew, too. There’s just something way, way “off” about that person. It is just very hard NOT to notice that her behavior is just bizarre for a mom who has seen photos of her child being abused, and then found out her child is deceased. She’s not right. Who knows what she would do for this totally weird leech of a guy? My heart is broken for this little girl, who had not much of a real life at all. I know she is in Heaven, where she has real love for the first time.
I am so sorry you went through that. I hope you have able to heal. If you don't mind, can I ask you a question? If you had had a more involved school counselor who was more inquisitive with her questions and had met with you often, do you think you may have felt comfortable enough to tell her about the SA?
I am watching the replay now! It is so great that you had Sunny on your show! The shout out that Sunny directed to you was so spot on, G! You have the best True Crime channel on RUclips!
@@joannanieuwburg9 Hello Joanna! That's cool! I have watched G's past livestreams when she had Sunny as a guest! She has a wealth of knowledge and their collaborations are excellent! Have a great night!
I wish I had had a mother like your guest. My mother refused to believe me. And I believe that injured me more. It’s been decades and it still hurts me. Made me one hell of a mother tho- solid for my babies. Solid.
There is a huge difference between you and Jen Soto. You responded in a way that a mama bear responds when she discovers her cub was hurt. Jen did not come close to resembling a mother in any way shape or form. Although you still seem to beat yourself up over what you think you missed , your forgetting that you took the trauma that you experienced from what that horrible man did to your daughter, you and your family, and now you are doing something good, meaningful, and useful with your life story. God bless you because you are helping the world, by educating others who may have fallen victims to future predators. You are nothing like Jen Soto. You need to understand that miss beautiful lady. You are doing Gods work with the lovely Gisela. I have to say that you ladies are the type of role models that this generation desperately needs. ps My name is Jennifer Diaz my bf has premium so Im always watching on his profile!😊
Sunny is wonderful Gisela! I am so glad you asked her to be a guest. She has a wealth of information to share with us all. You two should have a podcast together! Thanks so much💜
Sunny thank you for your work. You are a BLESSING to your children. I can imagine your guilt, I think most moms have guilt in general for all our “bad mom” moments, let alone something as devastating as your baby girl being hurt by your husband. But GOD has you all in his arms, he gave your daughter the strength and courage to tell someone. 🙏 keep doing what you’re doing. You absolutely should be proud of yourself and your children. Also, you and Gisela are spot on, in your interpretations of Jen’s lack of protecting her child.
Thank you, Sunny!!! I had my husband sexually abuse my teenage daughter and almost died when she told me!!! It went on for nearly 2 years. The guilt was horrible!!! Being a psychotherapist at the time, I couldn't understand how I missed it. He was her stepfather. He spent 20 years incarcerated, and only a few months after release, he died. We were relieved at that point. I remarried and have a son with my husband. My son is 20 yo now and fortunately has never been sexually abused. I was trafficked when I was 21 yo so my daughter being abused was frightening. My daughter and I have a close relationship. She has my 5 grandchildren so life goes on.
Gisela, thanks for covering this. Something has gone wrong here with Jenn, it’s a mothers instinct to protect her young against predators, If anyone paid my son too much attention, I was on to him., and talked to him about this. Parents, be vigilant.
LE tells Jennifer ‘we are with S crimes.’ Jennifer says ‘ok.’ Really, lady? No questioning why? She KNEW. Every time JS says ‘I just sent them upstairs so I could get some good sleep,’ I am so mad EVERY TIME I hear it. I just want to scream! Even if Maddie was alive and didn’t get SA this was UNACCEPTABLE. The fact that JS is selling this wet toilet paper as if it’s a block of gold is shocking.
That's the part that infuriates me!!! Nobody asks her. You send your teenage daughter to sleep in the same bed with a grown up man??? What were you thinking???!!! How is this normal??? Is not!! & Maddie ends up murdered by this Monster?? Jen is at fault! She's guilty as hell!? Not finding anything to charge her with us BS!! She endangered Maddie & it cost her her life!!😢
That and the violent crimes part. How can you, as a mother of a missing child, hear that and not ask questions? A mother who is guilty wouldn't question it. If my child, god forbid, went missing and those units showed up I'd lose my f'ing mind.
My own biological father who raised my sister & I alone had to force me out of his bed when I was between 8-10 years old because he said it’s 100% no longer appropriate for me to sleep with any man, even him until I am grown up & married. I was CRUSHED & would cry & whine for my father but he stuck to it because it’s what a good man who’s not a total freak does. There was one exception & it was when I was 15 & our heater broke in our home & we had improper insulation. He tried many times to give me more & more blankets to keep me warm but it wasn’t helping so he allowed me to sleep in front of the one tiny space heater we had & we shared it because we couldn’t afford another one that winter. We would both be wrapped up in our own sleeping bags & blankets tho so we weren’t “snuggling.” I had serious abandonment trauma as a child & teen. We didn’t know the word for it back then but I gave my dad hell all those years for making me be all by myself. I would have nightmares & come wake him up repeatedly. No wonder my father was so tired haha. Eventually my big sister caved & let me start sharing her room with her. We didn’t cuddle sleep because she hated me back then but at least she let me put my bed in her room & I wasn’t so scared anymore. When she turned 18 & left for the military tho I started crying for my dad again. Poor guy. Thankfully when I was 16 we left that trailer & moved to a better place eventually & I had a step mom from then on who cured me somehow.
My dad had a hard time allowing any kind of affection towards me and my siblings. But he grew up in a household where his own father SA'd all his sisters so he was ultra careful. Ultimately, while it was confusing why my dad rarely gave me a hug as a kid, I understand it now and am grateful that he was so cautious. He was terrified that he could be like his father, even though he never showed signs of inappropriate desires like that. So sad the long-term effects trauma like that has.
The only man I was allowed to touch in any way and maybe once in a while take a nap with, mostly if I was feeling sick, was my brother. Apart from that, nobody, my mom didn’t even allowed me to seat in my grandpa’s lap, her own dad. In her case was her stepdad and uncle that did her thing, I wish she would have look for help and heal, because the extremes aren’t good neither, but at least I knew my mom was aware of that subject. I got to see my grandma tell her, even when she was an adult already and both men were dead, she had nothing to win from that, and my grandma would still invalidate her experience and say it never happened. I can’t stand mothers that choose their man over their children.
Gisela, I’m so glad you’re back on this case and sincerely believe you are a gem among your “peers”, and actually rise far above in your professionalism, your experience, your output, the quality of your work, your ability to add some necessary levity once in a while, your refusal to give in to any drama… I could go on and on. You are just simply true class. You are the GOAT! I also really appreciate having this guest on to offer a different and expert opinion on the whole case and how we might try to understand /decipher Jenn Soto’s “movements” and behaviors during this whole devastating case. Thank you ❤
THANK YOU to this guest, Sunny, for not allowing Jen Soto's acceptance of this treatment to little Maddie to be covered under the umbrella of "mental health". We are using mental health as an excuse for bad behavior!!
Thank you both for the excellent coverage of this most infuriating case. Every time I hear Jenn say that it was not unusual for Maddie to sleep with that animal, I am filled with rage.😡
I’ve been saying from the very beginning that I felt Maddie WANTED to sleep with Jen in hopes it would keep SS from touching her… not that there was something "mentally wrong" with this 9, 10, 11, 12, etc yr old sleeping with her mom. (Surely he won’t do that with Mom RIGHT there, right?) She was trying to find subtle ways to protect herself…
Thank you G. and Sunny. I was in tears. Your openness is so important for victims and education purposes. Jenn is a poor excuse for a Mom-partly past experience, cognition, laziness and drugs. She did not want to give in to her Mom and sister and have Maddie given to a loving home. I don’t think she knew only because she wasn’t paying attention to her child. She is emotionally more than culpable.
Truly. Gave me shivvers a few times there. That woman truly holds wisdom, and I can’t even begin to imagine what a positive impact she has for her community/partnerships. Every town needs a Sunny, stat! 😆💖
Thank you for sharing your testimony, Sunny. My heart breaks for what you and your family, especially your daughter, had to endure. Your voice on this issue is so necessary. I think it’s so important to speak boldly and to inform others. As a survivor myself, I am so thankful for Gisela and Sunny taking this issue head on and calling it out with grace and speaking for JUSTICE. Tears are flowing. You guys really have my respect.
Why didn’t Gisela ask her expert guest how she is taking care of herself ; I am referring to her mental and emotional health. If it were broached, I did not absorb it.😊
You're a strong person. It's been 55 yrs here. Just know that you would not be at your stage of development without the crap. And I truly believe those that suffer gain insight, inner strength and the like. I can't even imagine a marshmallow life, I think it makes one soft. Omni magazine article in 1988 taught astral projecting to escape nightmares. I haven't had a reoccurring nightmare in decades. I used technique taught in article, just 3 times, then the nightmares stopped. It works. Name of article in Omni magazine was Controlling your dreams in 1988. They only produced four magazines per year back then. If I remember correctly. I can't give out method over comments section. It's not for everyone. Risk is involved, it's not a game. Once you fly though, it's better than having the big "O". I actually try to have nightmares so that I'll remember to fly. But I do not have any bad dreams anymore. And I sure do wish that for all people suffering with nightmares. There's an answer waiting for you to apply it.
Fantastic guest! It was so interesting to hear from Sunny’s perspective being a mother of a child who had experienced that. Thank you for your time and knowledge Sunny ! ❤
I’m sorry, but the girl he dated briefly in 2022 /coworker, Stefan basically told her everything about his relationship with Maddie and Jenn except “the act” itself. All she had to do was call CPS and law enforcement and tell them what she knew. Maybe, maybe Maddie would have found the strength to confide in someone about what he was doing and she would be alive today. Same for her teachers and counselor at school. There was nothing normal about her behavior, attendance, grades, lack of interest, etc. no one took the time to ask the right questions. Or just let her keep talking! And truly listen. I just feel like she was failed by so many people.
This was such a great interview with Sunny, G! Thank you for having her on to share her expertise and experiences with us! Sending love and hugs to both you G & Sunny! ❤❤❤❤
I have a friend from Trinidad. I wasn't watching the channel when Sunny was on, so this is so nice to have her on to discuss Jen Soto's interviews. I'm so sorry Sunny's daughter had to go through that trauma 😢
I absolutely love that you said Jen should be in therapy right now to help her to be a strong witness to get that monster the death penalty and Justice for Maddy. I know most feel Jen is guilty. I feel she is guilty of being a passive mother in the sense of missing red flags, super insecure, low self esteem and probably someone who disassociates at times. She has been hospitalized before. Some people with bipolar get hospitalized at times because of depression or even psychosis. I hope we get to see the trial. I place my anger on the true monster. I am not convinced yet that there is more then one.
I feel this, Laura. I think she was a perfect scapegoat and deteriorated even more over the time she had Sterns in her life. I hope she gets to trial so can can testify against him and help other survivors out there - for Madeline's sake.
I'm relieved to find at least a few other people who are thinking about how ill and/or damaged Jen is--and that being in the situation is extremely different from judging from the outside. I found it strange that the guest talked about how she didn't see the abuse of her own child but then strongly criticized Jen....
Thank you, G and Sonny for your openness in this. I am also a victim of trauma by a predatorial loved one and hearing Sonny's story really helps to reduce the stigma. Humanity needs more people like the 2 of you, willing to share even the crustiest of crumbs in order to help the greater good.
This was amazing. Thank you G and Sunny. I was almost SAd when I was 12-13 by a very close first cousin who was 6 years older. We used to hang out alone together when I was a preteen, and he started to touch me inappropriately. I didn't say anything to anyone, but I stopped hanging out with him and was never alone with him again. If I didn't do that, who knows what might have happened. He was also known as a very good and obedient son/grandson, and I was the spoiled brat only child so I was sure nobody would believe me. I was 20 when I told my bf (now my husband) what happened.
This is WHY I am a PROUD helicopter parent!!! Omg. I can’t with this world anymore!!! Can’t send them to school, can’t trust an explorer program through the POLICE dept!! Can’t Trust your neighbors… I’m happy playing board games and homeschooling! Sorry, but really! It’s Unreal at this point. 😔😣 Parents TALK to your kids! Not just daily, MULTIPLE times a day. ENGAGE THEM!!! Please! 🙏 💜💚🙌🙌
Love Love LOVE Sunny so much. I wish every city and town had someone like Sunny with her commitment to advocacy and justice improvement. Thank you so much for this guest choice! I am a new Grizzly, and feel so safe with your analyses of such intense cases. Much love, one love! 🇨🇦💖
Thank you for having Sunny come in. She made a lot of sense; in my opinion what she said was “common sense that isn’t so common. This solidifies my opinion about J. Soto even more. I pray that Sunny heals 100% at some point in her life. I know that might seem like an impossible prayer or destination for some. But Sunny seems to be able to rise above it and be who she is today. She is inspiring. Thank you.
Thank you Sunny for sharing your story. As mothers we can all be vulnerable to these situations yet knowing the signs, being vigilant, having clear boundaries, teaching our kids about safe touch and safe people are parameters we can use to keep our children safe. Sunny you are a great example of what we should do as mothers if our child discloses such horrific experiences. You are inspirational 🌈🌹🌷🫶
I just finished watching the replay! What an excellent collaboration with you and Sunny, G! After listening to you and Sunny, my feelings about Jenn's actions are even more disturbing now! I feel so sad for Maddie! She didn't have a chance! I missed you Sunny!
Y’all should do this once a week. Excellent presentation and analysis from both of you. Good to hear the insight and expertise in this tragic and complex case.
I am going through a very familiar thing with my daughter and her father. Thank you for sharing your story it is a relief to see someone who feels the way u do. I don’t feel alone
I will feel so much better when Jenn is brought up on charges and is held accountable for her actions. She was never a grieving mother. She defended herself and SS from the jump. That’s what a guilty person does. Maddie, sweet angel, you definitely deserved SO much better!! I am so sorry that your mother failed to protect you from that monster.
Sunny and Gisela, thank you for doing this together. I am currently in training to become a domestic violence advocate. After 30 years in the mental health field amd as a survivor, I feel a need to help protect the vulnerable, both children and adults.
Gisela, thank you a 100 times over for having Sunny here. FINALLY someone expresses what it can be like to be the involved attentive mother to a daughter who survives step father SA. I too blame myself. I have to carry some blame..I missed something somehow. I was so involved and active with her but it happened for several years until her bestie told me when they were 17. RIP sweet Maddie. May we all continue to learn more about protecting our children.
What a great interview! Thank you for diving into this. I was Maddie's age when I was SA'd by an uncle. My mother also responded strangely (imo) even though she definitely didn't know what was happening. She just didn't understand how an older kid could "let" this happen to them. She viewed me more as an adult (I'm the oldest kid in the family) than a child, with a child's thinking and reasoning ability.
So sorry that both situations happened to you. It’s unhealthy for your mom to treat you as an adult, not to mention the abuse from your uncle. Was it your mother’s brother? So sad your mom didn’t give you the support.
@@just.joolie It was actually the husband of one of her sisters. She's 13 years older than her youngest sister and took on a motherly role with her. I think because of that dynamic she was (sadly) more concerned with her sister's well-being in that situation than mine. It was as if she viewed me as partly responsible and her sister as the true victim. Definitely messed up.
@@limiwa Ugh. That’s terrible to choose her sister over her daughter. I can’t empathize with your situation. My mom and her sister were SAed by her own father and then gaslit by her mom. I just don’t get it. It’s sad. I hope your days are better!
Wow! Sunny, Thank you so much for sharing your story so openly and being so genuine and authentic. Your insight and perspective were very compelling. The world needs more people like you.
Great upload! Love to hear from Sunny! My best girlfriend all 6 years of junior high amd high school never spoke of her father molesti g her until he was scheduled to return from a year of working overseas. I asked her if she was so excited for his return and she told me she wished he would stay gone. She mentioned vague issues with him being inappropriate with both daughters. I was so sheltered, I didn't ask any questions or tell her to tell someone else, (an adult in authority)... I have always felt I failed her at that moment. Fifty years ago I didn't even know this happened! 😢
When they show Jen the picture of Maddie strapped in Stefans car and she says "Thats Maddie sleeping." All matter of fact with that tone of voice. It made me sick. Then she said her BIGGEST FEAR is Stefan and Maddie running away together when Maddie turns 18.... Jen says "I told him please dont do that TO ME!" Do it to her???? WTAF is wrong with her. She doesn't even consider or care what her daughter went through. She was jealous of Maddie like she was the other woman.
The police were investigating the disappearance then murder of a child. They are not forensic psychologists nor there to understand how Jennifer became a disinterested parent. Their whole focus was and should have been finding Maddie & prosecuting the murderer. She can’t be blamed for what influenced her own development but she is an adult who chose to become a mother and neglected that responsibility. Too many people excuse or mitigate behaviour because “oh but their childhood” Let me tell you, many people have traumatic childhoods and if anything make sure they don’t repeat those mistakes or have therapy before becoming a parent.
I do not care if Jenn had a bad childhood or was abused herself to me it makes it worse that she allowed this or took part in the S.A. and orC.S.A.M. I am also sorry to hear what happened to her daughter hopefully her daughter has gotten Counseling and can heal.
Thank you Sunny for your wisdom on grooming and the Maddie Soto case. Also thank you for sharing your personal story with all of us. You and Gisela make an awesome pair with your individual knowledge of true crime. What an awesome time this was in spite of the sad circumstance. It's always good to have more knowledge. Much love to you both 💜💜
I understand why Sunny has not listened to her daughter's interview. There is no reason to torture yourself. Unfortunately some of us relive it everyday and it is dangerous. It's dangerous to the healthy mind.
Thank you Gisela and Sunny for such a great video. I’m part of the replay crew because I’ve been very busy this week. I am glad that Sunny brought a different perspective to us by saying sometimes the partner doesn’t know. The big difference is how they react to the truth. Jen did not show any outrage or remorse for what happened to Maddie. This is the best true crime channel!
This was an amazing episode! I’m so sad I missed this live. Gisela, you and Sunny are both _sensational!!!_ Thank you both for all you have done for victims and specifically for poor Maddie 😢 Signed, a very proud Grizzly
I hate Jen Soto even more than Stephen Sterns! She knew what was happening and encouraged it. “Woody Allen situation” being her fear! It’s obvious that in her sick mind she meant losing her man to her child…not that her child might be suffering from grooming and abuse. Poor Maddie! 😢
@@alexisw6764 Oh, I’m not losing focus. Maybe stop gatekeeping who we’re allowed to have disdain for. Jen Soto could have saved her baby instead of handing her over to be abused and murdered.
Great episode! Thank you Sunny for sharing your expertise and being so candid about your personal story... it really is heartbreaking that these predators worm their way in to families!!! Love to you and your family.
Thank you for asking for prayers for the Law Enforcement professionals involved in this case. My brother, who is a police officer, was one of the professionals that had to catalog over 60k images in a CSAM case that he was working years ago. He receives counseling to this day because of what he experienced. 🖤💙🖤
I don't understand why she would want someone to get him a lawyer, If he did that to my daughter or anyone I know I would ask them to get him a undertaker.
Thank you Gisela for bringing Sunny on. I learned so much from you Sunny. I’m sorry you and your daughter went through that. It’s so important that people know how these groomers work. Thank u thank u thank u 🙏🏻
I am so sorry that I missed Ms. Sunny! I really do appreciate and loke it when you have her on and she shares her knowledge and experience with us. Very enlightening. THANK YOU, Mrs. G for all of your hard work, deep dives and time. Such incredible and educational lives and videos
"My mom put that in my body" is a strange phrase. Surely it should be "put that in my mind." Did something subconsciously slip through there? Just a thought.
Gisela, thank you so much for having Sunny on your show and giving her another platform to share her expertise. She used her personal and professional experiences to help us understand the invisible or less-known dynamics in this heartbreaking case. I’ve learned so much valuable information from this one conversation. Thank you both!
00:00:00 Intro
00:02:40 Welcome, Sunny!
00:04:45 Sunny's expertise
00:15:00 Can one excuse Jenn's behavior?
00:20:00 Grooming
00:29:00 Complications in Maddie's life?
00:32:42 How can a mother not know?
00:36:25 Makeshift room commentary
00:45:30 Investigation continues
00:47:38 Feelings of guilt, does JS have them?
00:54:00 Passive and alarming behaviors
01:05:10 How she reacts to the sex crimes unit
01:11:19 "they begged for sleepovers"
01:15:48 "Wood Allen situation"
01:21:20 "never trust a man"
01:36:25 Lessons from Sunny
01:40:34 Derivative-use immunity discussion
01:52:18 Debrief and Outro
FULL CASE PLAYLIST: ruclips.net/p/PL0cYrgj38mhp8jbDI-QRMLrcFMxL-BTLJ
I’m a nurse with 25yrs experience working in a inpatient mental health unit specialising in child and adolescent patients and also I have worked casual shifts in a high risk adult mental health unit during this time and I can tell you even with a diagnosis of bipolar she knows right from wrong. I also think she seems to have a personality disorder more than bipolar. She is an enabler who I feel has used a mental health diagnosis to use others to get thru life..
@@Tigers2099 very well put and thank you for your professional comment that helps me and others to understand on a deeper level on a topic that I don't know anything about which is bipolar!
To point out at the Woody Allen comment, Jen said, that when Maddie turns 18 they'll run off together. I told him he cant DO THAT TO ME! Not, You cant do that TO MY DAUGHTER. she only saw it as something being done TO HER!
I said I thought Jen got mad and killed Maddie and Stephan was involved somehow as well. She tokd him he had ti take care of it or she was going to out him on the SA crap. If she didjt do it, SHE KNEW when it happened
@Tigers2099 I would LOVE to get your advice/opinion on a situation involving a 7yr and 5yr old boys. Ik its hard to give much in a message but just to discuss it would help me greatly.
The woody Allen comment shows her jealousy of Maddie. She didn’t want Maddie to grow up and run away with him. 🤮 she is SICK! She needs to be in jail TODAY!
I think it shows how close (sickening close) Stephan & Maddie were...far too close for normalcy.
Yep that’s what she cared about. Her daughter “upstaging her” as a little girl to her dead beat bf. 🤮
It also shows her knowledge (or at least suspicion) of him having a sexual interest in Maddie, and maybe even knowledge of the photography sessions.
I AGREE 100%
That vile person deserves prison time !!
All she could say was, " Oh, that's maddie sleeping." Then all she says is
She's dead , very quite , didn't ask about SEX CRIME UNIT ETC.....BS !!
When we lost our youngest child and only daughter April ann at age 19
5 months after graduating high school here in Texas ( from medical malpractice), I screamed , yelled in the hospital , I couldn't even be left alone, I'm still not ok daily !!!
then I was angry many months later and went after the Dr for his lack of responsibilities. I went to the Texas medical review board to make sure he never killed another child / person.
I never get to see my precious daughter get married, go to college. Have a child .
THAT VILE PERSON I HAVE YET TO SEE UPSET 😡.
This truly truly bothers me .
God bless you & everyone reading this .
I loved listening to Ms. Sunny's thoughts .
As I know now, We all who feel she needs to be in jail aren't alone !!!
MRS .josette
Texas 🙏
Maybe now that Maddie was becoming a woman, he wasn't getting aroused any more, but he needed fresh content for who ever he shared those pics and videos with. Just a thought
Jenn’s identity is so wrapped up in victimhood that she ACTUALLY believes her need for a good night sleep is a valid excuse for her actions.
Agreed.
I think she is immersed in guilt and is forced to confront her own selfishness.
@@internkrisatadap yes, absolutely.
The one thing about being a parent is you will not always have a good night sleep. Your child gets sick, or has bad dreams or they worried about something. That’s parenthood! Your child comes first every time !!!!!!
@@internkrisatadapshe needs to sit in prison and think about all of that. Because she victimized her child for years just like the police in the interview confronted her.
Madelaine has never been the focus of her mother's attention !
I agree. From what I've seen, it looks like Maddie was nothing but an object, an accessory and mostly an unwanted one. It's beyond offputting to see.
"you can't do that to me", what about saying you can't do that to Maddie. She's so self absorbed, she was only thinking if you run off with Maddie, you won't want me anymore. No care for how much it will destroy Maddie's life being subjected to him. It's vile. This woman is vile!
This is my new favorite true crime channel. The way you cover this case is so respectful and insightful. Thank you G!
Right?! No drama or petty hypocrite
She's awesome, and she's original and she cares. Very respectful professional she does it way better than everybody else. Really kind to her fan base too, she doesn't belittle them like some other channels do. Lol
💯❗️‼️
We are the Grizzlies!!! She is the absolute best!!!!
Mrs. Griz is the best.
Thank you Sunny for being here we appreciate you.
My red flags with Jen and why I have refused to give her the benefit of the doubt is how she speaks about her responsibility for Madi, she only says "I know this looks bad" and "I know I should care for her" everything she says is removing herself from not protecting her daughter, I feel she was jealous of her and continues to blame her, EVEN AFTER SHE KNEW WHAT STEPHEN DID TO HER. saying "she would beg me to stay up with him, and I would give in" absolutely no mother would allow a child to "hang out" all night with your boyfriend/friends with benefits, even if they begged....it's all not okay and she refuses to admit that, she is so concerned about optics and how she looks to other people. Madi was entirely invisible to her, except to use as a scapegoat for her emotional instability. She is narcissistic and emotionally immature.
yes!
I also wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt but the biggest red flag to me is that he hadn't stayed there in months and they were broken up. Then the first night he's back, she sends them to sleep together away from her. And Maddie loses her life. The FIRST night he's back after being apart for months?
I'm a retired lawyer. So Jennifer "sent" (her word) Madeline and SS to bedroom #4 on the second floor -- which has a single-sized (38 inches wide) bed! SS was 6'2", 220 lbs. and Maddie was 5'1" 110 lbs. In Jennifer's criminally negligent mind, how were Maddie and SS going to fit on the bed? With a tripod and a loaded (12 bullet magazine & another magazine in a bag on the table) Sig Sauer pistol [$600-$1000] in Bedroom #4, along with a bottle of mastur__ cream, and only one pillow, what more does DA Andrew Bain need? Plus, crucially, the "Woody Allen" admission!
JS: I've always told him that my biggest fear that "this" would turn into a Woody Allen situation.
"This" - meaning SS's abuse of Maddie. JS knew "always" of the abuse and feared that it would turn into a committed relationship between SS and Maddie. JS told SS "always" of her fear.
Florida statute 827.03 says that "neglect of a child" means "A caregiver’s failure to make a reasonable effort to protect a child from abuse, neglect, or exploitation by another person." The "neglect of a child may be based on repeated conduct or on a single incident or omission that results in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, serious physical or mental injury, or a substantial risk of death, to a child." Felony neglect of a child can be proved by a single "incident or omission" in Florida!
The "Queen for a day" proffer session was begun, unusually and likely as part of a deal, by on-the-record waiver of law enforcement's case or cases regarding JS's prior lies to law enforcement, most notably, her lies that she saw Maddie at 8:00 am off for school on the day, February 26th, Maddie went "missing." And that she knew what Maddie was wearing. MS's current position is that though she sleeps with the door ajar on the first floor, she didn't hear loud noises during the night that the roommate heard, that she didn't notice that daughter was murdered, probably violently as pictures of SS's knuckles show that they are quite red, implying punching, and the pictures show scratches on his hand, most likely from Maddie defending herself. JS didn't notice that SS walked through the front door - next to her bedroom, to carry Maddie's body down the stairs and to his car and take the time to prop Maddie's body up in the front seat. He then drove to the dumpster and tossed in Maddie's backpack and school laptop at 7:35 am. Then SS left the complex at 7:50 a.m. Yet, JS was awake around this time because SS entered her bedroom to try to leash the dog, and JS got out of bed to help him - though she didn't notice scratches on SS's hands or his red knuckles. Indeed, she said to police and wrote in a statement that she saw Maddie, alive and well, at 8:00 am,, leave for school and even described Maddie's clothing. JS has since admitted those statements were false. But she still maintains that she didn't see any of the bad things and went back to sleep. JS's position is that she didn't notice that SS still had Maddie, deceased, propped up in the front seat of his car, when he returned to the apartment at 8:19 am, for unknown reasons. (SS lied and said he returned to get his "clicker," but the guard at the gate saw the "clicker" in SS's hands.)
The proffer session was JS's chance to come clean = and not be prosecuted for what she said. I don't think JS's admission of long-term fears that "this would turn into a Woody Allen situation, " though not usable to prosecute her for neglect of a child, clears her of that charge. There are pics of csam with Maddie in them from the age of 8, and she died just after turning 13. There's plenty of evidence that JS neglected her child and failed to protect her for years. What JS should have done at her proffer was come clean about her knowledge or long-held suspicions that SS was SA'ing Maddie, describing every suspicion or event and why she failed to do anything about it. That would have given her immunity from being prosecuted for crimes related to those statements. But she chose to protect SS, duck and cover, be vague, and hinder the investigation.
It's possible that JS is thought of as a negligent, mentally messed up mom who grieves in a weird way and is a small fish, and not worth the resources, since the DA has two DP cases against SS on his hands to prepare. I hope not. JS deserves criminal charges of at least neglect of a child. In addition, I don't believe her when she says that she never told SS that Maddie had missed her period in February. SS admits to knowing about when Maddie's period occurred - strange, of course, for a mom's on-again off-again bf to know about. Also, since MS said she thought her daughter was a virgin, why track the girl's periods? Unless Maddie's periods were important data for both SS and JS as "this" was turning into a Woody Allen situation?
Great analysis. Many people have missed that she said 'always' as you've highlighted
Beautiful said!
Agree 100% - it’s the “this would” that is telling. She’s known the whole time.
Excellent comment, but I will only refute 1 thing. The police photographs of the bedroom upstairs clearly show a double or queen sized bed, NOT a twin size. There is 1 pillow on 1 side of the bed. No pillow on the other side.
Thanks for your insight into this case
Sunny is hitting the nail on the head about Jenn. I’ve wanted to be very careful not to “hate” on Jenn and blame her for what Stephen did but . . .it’s helpful to have Sunny’s perspective.
Absolutely. The best podcast I have heard so far. All Mothers need to watch!
I disagree because Jen neglected her daughter to such an extent as to put maddie in a dangerous position.
Or, could it be, that Sunny fears backlash for her own negligence? 🤔
@@stellaallbright4750 that is a terrible thing to say. God forbid you are ever in this situation. You have no clue as to how cunning and manipulative these Predators are. Sunny’s Husband was arrested the day after her daughter told. I hope and pray nothing like this ever happens to you or anyone you know. The guilt you feel as a Mother is the worst you will ever feel. 🙏🙏
@@stellaallbright4750it’s a fair question TBH. It’s also a question Sunny directly answers not only in this interview but in many past interviews as well. For me there’s a clear difference between JS and Sunny’s story. Sunny acted immediately when she discovered the abuse of her daughter. She was extremely vocal, demanded LE act quickly, she saw the criminal case through to the conviction & his trial. Most importantly, for me anyway, was the immediate action Sunny took as the mother. She kept the abuser from all of her children, she reached out to professionals to help, not only her daughter, but also her other children and herself. Sunny’s reaction to learning about the abuse was totally opposite to that of Jen Soto. Jenn did nothing, nor did she say anything to ANYONE to stop the abuse. Her reaction was simply to let SS know that SHE doesn’t want to be left all alone if this 🐖 runs off to have a life with her minor daughter (Woody Allen reference) That’s what I see as differences in these 2 mom’s. 🙂
Sunny, thank you! I was the victim of a male public school teacher between the ages of 9 and 11, and I guarantee that my parents had NO idea. None. He had myself, as well as other children at the school, so terrified that it was only after one dear little girl came forward to another teacher that it came out.
He was tried and convicted.
Please do not feel guilty Sunny. You are not alone, and you did nothing wrong. I’m glad to hear you got help too.
I am so sorry that happened to you! And I’m also very glad that your abuser is behind bars!
Your parents didn’t know, but I believe Jenn knew, about everything!!!! It’s just so sick and twisted. Maddie deserved so much better.😢
Thank you, @Osage80, I’m thinking that Jennifer Soto knew, too. There’s just something way, way “off” about that person. It is just very hard NOT to notice that her behavior is just bizarre for a mom who has seen photos of her child being abused, and then found out her child is deceased. She’s not right. Who knows what she would do for this totally weird leech of a guy? My heart is broken for this little girl, who had not much of a real life at all. I know she is in Heaven, where she has real love for the first time.
When your child is so fearful of sleeping alone she needs therapy!!
@Bear Siren, that’s true. But maybe they just made that up to “cover” for why they had weird sleeping arrangements. We can’t ask Madeline.
I am so sorry you went through that. I hope you have able to heal. If you don't mind, can I ask you a question? If you had had a more involved school counselor who was more inquisitive with her questions and had met with you often, do you think you may have felt comfortable enough to tell her about the SA?
I am watching the replay now! It is so great that you had Sunny on your show! The shout out that Sunny directed to you was so spot on, G! You have the best True Crime channel on RUclips!
Hiya 👋 Rob and family, im Replay Crew too,,what a treat to have Sunny 🌞 and G 🐻 together, have a wonderful day and stay safe,,
@@joannanieuwburg9 Hello Joanna! That's cool! I have watched G's past livestreams when she had Sunny as a guest! She has a wealth of knowledge and their collaborations are excellent! Have a great night!
@@robmcmullen9192Me too ,the dynamic duo,horrible subject but so full of insights and awareness,,Takecare and cya nextround.
I wish I had had a mother like your guest. My mother refused to believe me. And I believe that injured me more. It’s been decades and it still hurts me.
Made me one hell of a mother tho- solid for my babies. Solid.
🙏
❤❤❤
Love to you 💕
❤Bless you friend 😢!
So true. I had the same experience. The betrayal from my mother has taken a lifetime to accept. Not sure heal is the right word
There is a huge difference between you and Jen Soto. You responded in a way that a mama bear responds when she discovers her cub was hurt. Jen did not come close to resembling a mother in any way shape or form. Although you still seem to beat yourself up over what you think you missed , your forgetting that you took the trauma that you experienced from what that horrible man did to your daughter, you and your family, and now you are doing something good, meaningful, and useful with your life story. God bless you because you are helping the world, by educating others who may have fallen victims to future predators. You are nothing like Jen Soto. You need to understand that miss beautiful lady. You are doing Gods work with the lovely Gisela. I have to say that you ladies are the type of role models that this generation desperately needs.
ps My name is Jennifer Diaz my bf has premium so Im always watching on his profile!😊
Sunny is wonderful Gisela! I am so glad you asked her to be a guest. She has a wealth of information to share with us all. You two should have a podcast together! Thanks so much💜
Sunny thank you for your work. You are a BLESSING to your children. I can imagine your guilt, I think most moms have guilt in general for all our “bad mom” moments, let alone something as devastating as your baby girl being hurt by your husband. But GOD has you all in his arms, he gave your daughter the strength and courage to tell someone. 🙏 keep doing what you’re doing. You absolutely should be proud of yourself and your children. Also, you and Gisela are spot on, in your interpretations of Jen’s lack of protecting her child.
Thank you, Sunny!!! I had my husband sexually abuse my teenage daughter and almost died when she told me!!! It went on for nearly 2 years. The guilt was horrible!!! Being a psychotherapist at the time, I couldn't understand how I missed it. He was her stepfather. He spent 20 years incarcerated, and only a few months after release, he died. We were relieved at that point. I remarried and have a son with my husband. My son is 20 yo now and fortunately has never been sexually abused. I was trafficked when I was 21 yo so my daughter being abused was frightening. My daughter and I have a close relationship. She has my 5 grandchildren so life goes on.
God had nothing to do with this!! Why didn’t God save Maddie?
Gisela, thanks for covering this. Something has gone wrong here with Jenn, it’s a mothers instinct to protect her young against predators, If anyone paid my son too much attention, I was on to him., and talked to him about this. Parents, be vigilant.
LE tells Jennifer ‘we are with S crimes.’ Jennifer says ‘ok.’ Really, lady? No questioning why?
She KNEW.
Every time JS says ‘I just sent them upstairs so I could get some good sleep,’ I am so mad EVERY TIME I hear it. I just want to scream!
Even if Maddie was alive and didn’t get SA this was UNACCEPTABLE. The fact that JS is selling this wet toilet paper as if it’s a block of gold is shocking.
That part is CRAZY, she doesn’t question it??? Like??? Huuhhh??
That's the part that infuriates me!!! Nobody asks her. You send your teenage daughter to sleep in the same bed with a grown up man??? What were you thinking???!!! How is this normal??? Is not!! & Maddie ends up murdered by this Monster?? Jen is at fault! She's guilty as hell!? Not finding anything to charge her with us BS!! She endangered Maddie & it cost her her life!!😢
That and the violent crimes part. How can you, as a mother of a missing child, hear that and not ask questions? A mother who is guilty wouldn't question it. If my child, god forbid, went missing and those units showed up I'd lose my f'ing mind.
❤😊 Welcome Sunny! We truly appreciate your expertise and sharing your time with the Grizzlies!
My own biological father who raised my sister & I alone had to force me out of his bed when I was between 8-10 years old because he said it’s 100% no longer appropriate for me to sleep with any man, even him until I am grown up & married. I was CRUSHED & would cry & whine for my father but he stuck to it because it’s what a good man who’s not a total freak does.
There was one exception & it was when I was 15 & our heater broke in our home & we had improper insulation. He tried many times to give me more & more blankets to keep me warm but it wasn’t helping so he allowed me to sleep in front of the one tiny space heater we had & we shared it because we couldn’t afford another one that winter. We would both be wrapped up in our own sleeping bags & blankets tho so we weren’t “snuggling.”
I had serious abandonment trauma as a child & teen. We didn’t know the word for it back then but I gave my dad hell all those years for making me be all by myself. I would have nightmares & come wake him up repeatedly. No wonder my father was so tired haha.
Eventually my big sister caved & let me start sharing her room with her. We didn’t cuddle sleep because she hated me back then but at least she let me put my bed in her room & I wasn’t so scared anymore. When she turned 18 & left for the military tho I started crying for my dad again. Poor guy. Thankfully when I was 16 we left that trailer & moved to a better place eventually & I had a step mom from then on who cured me somehow.
I was relegated to the floor or the foot of the bed at that age.
@@moepow🥺
My dad had a hard time allowing any kind of affection towards me and my siblings. But he grew up in a household where his own father SA'd all his sisters so he was ultra careful. Ultimately, while it was confusing why my dad rarely gave me a hug as a kid, I understand it now and am grateful that he was so cautious. He was terrified that he could be like his father, even though he never showed signs of inappropriate desires like that. So sad the long-term effects trauma like that has.
Your comment is powerful.
The only man I was allowed to touch in any way and maybe once in a while take a nap with, mostly if I was feeling sick, was my brother. Apart from that, nobody, my mom didn’t even allowed me to seat in my grandpa’s lap, her own dad. In her case was her stepdad and uncle that did her thing, I wish she would have look for help and heal, because the extremes aren’t good neither, but at least I knew my mom was aware of that subject. I got to see my grandma tell her, even when she was an adult already and both men were dead, she had nothing to win from that, and my grandma would still invalidate her experience and say it never happened. I can’t stand mothers that choose their man over their children.
Gisela, I’m so glad you’re back on this case and sincerely believe you are a gem among your “peers”, and actually rise far above in your professionalism, your experience, your output, the quality of your work, your ability to add some necessary levity once in a while, your refusal to give in to any drama… I could go on and on. You are just simply true class.
You are the GOAT!
I also really appreciate having this guest on to offer a different and expert opinion on the whole case and how we might try to understand /decipher Jenn Soto’s “movements” and behaviors during this whole devastating case.
Thank you ❤
Oh wow, thank you so much! Love, Gisela
This is so important. Thank you Sunny, for sharing with us.
Great to see Sunny back 💜Thank you Sunny for your knowledge & support for the victims 💜Justice for Maddie 💜
☀️ sunny you brought up an excellent point- for the school counselors and teachers to miss the 🚩 s with Maddie WHO ELSE are they missing!
Jen "my daughter's death is really inconvenient for my mental health" Soto.
That's the feeling I get from her. She makes me sick.
Omg YES What.You.SAID!
Jen "let me take my meds because I need some good sleep" soto.....rest in peace Maddie xo
Sunny was amazing!!! Thanks G for having her as a guest
THANK YOU to this guest, Sunny, for not allowing Jen Soto's acceptance of this treatment to little Maddie to be covered under the umbrella of "mental health". We are using mental health as an excuse for bad behavior!!
Thank you both for the excellent coverage of this most infuriating case. Every time I hear Jenn say that it was not unusual for Maddie to sleep with that animal, I am filled with rage.😡
I don't believe what Jen says she can lie make anything up he's in jail she's dead....she tells good stories......I swear
I’ve been saying from the very beginning that I felt Maddie WANTED to sleep with Jen in hopes it would keep SS from touching her… not that there was something "mentally wrong" with this 9, 10, 11, 12, etc yr old sleeping with her mom. (Surely he won’t do that with Mom RIGHT there, right?) She was trying to find subtle ways to protect herself…
Every time I see sunny speak on any channel I think Gosh she is the nicest person ever. She’s just so nice 😊
Yeah, she comes across as someone I would like to be friends with.
Excellent respectful and much needed conversations on this case. Thank you to the brilliant, humble and caring Sunny.
Thank you G. and Sunny. I was in tears. Your openness is so important for victims and education purposes. Jenn is a poor excuse for a Mom-partly past experience, cognition, laziness and drugs. She did not want to give in to her Mom and sister and have Maddie given to a loving home. I don’t think she knew only because she wasn’t paying attention to her child. She is emotionally more than culpable.
Truly. Gave me shivvers a few times there. That woman truly holds wisdom, and I can’t even begin to imagine what a positive impact she has for her community/partnerships.
Every town needs a Sunny, stat! 😆💖
I love Miss Sunny! I find myself nodding my head (yes) every thing she say's, every time she speaks 💜
Thank you for sharing your testimony, Sunny. My heart breaks for what you and your family, especially your daughter, had to endure. Your voice on this issue is so necessary. I think it’s so important to speak boldly and to inform others. As a survivor myself, I am so thankful for Gisela and Sunny taking this issue head on and calling it out with grace and speaking for JUSTICE. Tears are flowing. You guys really have my respect.
Sunny's unique perspective is INVALUABLE. Thank you both, so much!!
This is favoute true crime channel.
Thank you to Sunny for sharing her experience.
What a fascinating guest this lady is a treasure to have her incite on this case
Insight? It took me a minute to understand that you weren’t saying she got us riled up (incite). 😂
@@just.joolie She is misspelling insight.
Why didn’t Gisela ask her expert guest how she is taking care of herself ; I am referring to her mental and emotional health. If it were broached, I did not absorb it.😊
I am 67 and I still have nightmares of what my uncle did to me
I'm so sorry you went through that
I’m so sorry 😢 :(
You're a strong person. It's been 55 yrs here. Just know that you would not be at your stage of development without the crap. And I truly believe those that suffer gain insight, inner strength and the like. I can't even imagine a marshmallow life, I think it makes one soft.
Omni magazine article in 1988 taught astral projecting to escape nightmares. I haven't had a reoccurring nightmare in decades. I used technique taught in article, just 3 times, then the nightmares stopped. It works. Name of article in Omni magazine was Controlling your dreams in 1988. They only produced four magazines per year back then. If I remember correctly. I can't give out method over comments section. It's not for everyone. Risk is involved, it's not a game. Once you fly though, it's better than having the big "O". I actually try to have nightmares so that I'll remember to fly. But I do not have any bad dreams anymore. And I sure do wish that for all people suffering with nightmares. There's an answer waiting for you to apply it.
😢
So sorry, it’s the same for me- 66 yrs old & victimized @ 11-yrs-old.
Thank you Grizzly and Sunny. This is without a doubt the best true crime RUclips channel. RIP Madeline 😢
The woody Allen situation. When she says “you can’t do that “to ME” ?! What about “my worst fear is that a boyfriend would do that to Maddi”
Fantastic guest! It was so interesting to hear from Sunny’s perspective being a mother of a child who had experienced that. Thank you for your time and knowledge Sunny ! ❤
I’m sorry, but the girl he dated briefly in 2022 /coworker, Stefan basically told her everything about his relationship with Maddie and Jenn except “the act” itself. All she had to do was call CPS and law enforcement and tell them what she knew. Maybe, maybe Maddie would have found the strength to confide in someone about what he was doing and she would be alive today.
Same for her teachers and counselor at school. There was nothing normal about her behavior, attendance, grades, lack of interest, etc. no one took the time to ask the right questions. Or just let her keep talking! And truly listen. I just feel like she was failed by so many people.
This was such a great interview with Sunny, G! Thank you for having her on to share her expertise and experiences with us! Sending love and hugs to both you G & Sunny! ❤❤❤❤
I have a friend from Trinidad. I wasn't watching the channel when Sunny was on, so this is so nice to have her on to discuss Jen Soto's interviews. I'm so sorry Sunny's daughter had to go through that trauma 😢
I absolutely love that you said Jen should be in therapy right now to help her to be a strong witness to get that monster the death penalty and Justice for Maddy. I know most feel Jen is guilty. I feel she is guilty of being a passive mother in the sense of missing red flags, super insecure, low self esteem and probably someone who disassociates at times. She has been hospitalized before. Some people with bipolar get hospitalized at times because of depression or even psychosis. I hope we get to see the trial. I place my anger on the true monster. I am not convinced yet that there is more then one.
I feel this, Laura. I think she was a perfect scapegoat and deteriorated even more over the time she had Sterns in her life. I hope she gets to trial so can can testify against him and help other survivors out there - for Madeline's sake.
That's Fair for sure
I'm relieved to find at least a few other people who are thinking about how ill and/or damaged Jen is--and that being in the situation is extremely different from judging from the outside. I found it strange that the guest talked about how she didn't see the abuse of her own child but then strongly criticized Jen....
That was a great show. I have never come across Sunny before but I am glad that I got to watch her today - a fantastic guest.
Thank you all for the professional discussion regarding Madeline. This is so needed to bring these AWFUL human behaviours into our awareness.
Wow - Sunny thank you so much for sharing your story with us. It’s a very personal and painful situation and we appreciate your candor with us!
Thank you, G and Sonny for your openness in this. I am also a victim of trauma by a predatorial loved one and hearing Sonny's story really helps to reduce the stigma. Humanity needs more people like the 2 of you, willing to share even the crustiest of crumbs in order to help the greater good.
Sunny has a beautiful voice!
Gisela and Sunny...two organic supernova beautiful souls. Truth warriors.. kick-ass angels ❤❤ Thank you for your work 🙏🙏
This was amazing. Thank you G and Sunny.
I was almost SAd when I was 12-13 by a very close first cousin who was 6 years older. We used to hang out alone together when I was a preteen, and he started to touch me inappropriately. I didn't say anything to anyone, but I stopped hanging out with him and was never alone with him again. If I didn't do that, who knows what might have happened. He was also known as a very good and obedient son/grandson, and I was the spoiled brat only child so I was sure nobody would believe me. I was 20 when I told my bf (now my husband) what happened.
This is WHY I am a PROUD helicopter parent!!! Omg. I can’t with this world anymore!!! Can’t send them to school, can’t trust an explorer program through the POLICE dept!! Can’t Trust your neighbors…
I’m happy playing board games and homeschooling! Sorry, but really! It’s Unreal at this point. 😔😣
Parents TALK to your kids! Not just daily, MULTIPLE times a day. ENGAGE THEM!!! Please! 🙏 💜💚🙌🙌
Thank you
Good work
What you said!
Sunny is a powerful guest. Thank you for having her on. And as always appreciate you G.
Love Love LOVE Sunny so much. I wish every city and town had someone like Sunny with her commitment to advocacy and justice improvement.
Thank you so much for this guest choice! I am a new Grizzly, and feel so safe with your analyses of such intense cases.
Much love, one love! 🇨🇦💖
Thank you for having Sunny come in. She made a lot of sense; in my opinion what she said was “common sense that isn’t so common. This solidifies my opinion about J. Soto even more.
I pray that Sunny heals 100% at some point in her life. I know that might seem like an impossible prayer or destination for some. But Sunny seems to be able to rise above it and be who she is today. She is inspiring. Thank you.
Thank you Sunny for sharing your story. As mothers we can all be vulnerable to these situations yet knowing the signs, being vigilant, having clear boundaries, teaching our kids about safe touch and safe people are parameters we can use to keep our children safe. Sunny you are a great example of what we should do as mothers if our child discloses such horrific experiences. You are inspirational 🌈🌹🌷🫶
I just finished watching the replay! What an excellent collaboration with you and Sunny, G! After listening to you and Sunny, my feelings about Jenn's actions are even more disturbing now! I feel so sad for Maddie! She didn't have a chance! I missed you Sunny!
“…You can’t do that to me…” Not “you can’t do that to Maddie!”
Never apologize Sunny! We appreciate your transparency ❤
Y’all should do this once a week. Excellent presentation and analysis from both of you. Good to hear the insight and expertise in this tragic and complex case.
I am going through a very familiar thing with my daughter and her father. Thank you for sharing your story it is a relief to see someone who feels the way u do. I don’t feel alone
Sunny’s perspective is so nice to hear ❤ you and your daughter are amazingly strong!!!
I will feel so much better when Jenn is brought up on charges and is held accountable for her actions. She was never a grieving mother. She defended herself and SS from the jump. That’s what a guilty person does.
Maddie, sweet angel, you definitely deserved SO much better!! I am so sorry that your mother failed to protect you from that monster.
Sunny and Gisela, thank you for doing this together. I am currently in training to become a domestic violence advocate. After 30 years in the mental health field amd as a survivor, I feel a need to help protect the vulnerable, both children and adults.
That’s wonderful of you! Do they teach you how to spot grooming or potential predators?
@@just.joolie yes, and I've completed other courses with that content as well. Thank you.
Gisela, thank you a 100 times over for having Sunny here. FINALLY someone expresses what it can be like to be the involved attentive mother to a daughter who survives step father SA. I too blame myself. I have to carry some blame..I missed something somehow. I was so involved and active with her but it happened for several years until her bestie told me when they were 17.
RIP sweet Maddie. May we all continue to learn more about protecting our children.
Sunny is amazing 😍
What a great interview! Thank you for diving into this. I was Maddie's age when I was SA'd by an uncle. My mother also responded strangely (imo) even though she definitely didn't know what was happening. She just didn't understand how an older kid could "let" this happen to them. She viewed me more as an adult (I'm the oldest kid in the family) than a child, with a child's thinking and reasoning ability.
So sorry that both situations happened to you. It’s unhealthy for your mom to treat you as an adult, not to mention the abuse from your uncle. Was it your mother’s brother? So sad your mom didn’t give you the support.
@@just.joolie It was actually the husband of one of her sisters. She's 13 years older than her youngest sister and took on a motherly role with her. I think because of that dynamic she was (sadly) more concerned with her sister's well-being in that situation than mine. It was as if she viewed me as partly responsible and her sister as the true victim. Definitely messed up.
@@limiwa Ugh. That’s terrible to choose her sister over her daughter. I can’t empathize with your situation. My mom and her sister were SAed by her own father and then gaslit by her mom. I just don’t get it. It’s sad. I hope your days are better!
Wow! Sunny, Thank you so much for sharing your story so openly and being so genuine and authentic. Your insight and perspective were very compelling. The world needs more people like you.
Sunny you are such a beautiful person inside and out , thank you for being on this platform today ❤
Watching replay. Really appreciate Sunny's insight on Jen and SS.
Great upload! Love to hear from Sunny!
My best girlfriend all 6 years of junior high amd high school never spoke of her father molesti g her until he was scheduled to return from a year of working overseas. I asked her if she was so excited for his return and she told me she wished he would stay gone. She mentioned vague issues with him being inappropriate with both daughters. I was so sheltered, I didn't ask any questions or tell her to tell someone else, (an adult in authority)... I have always felt I failed her at that moment. Fifty years ago I didn't even know this happened! 😢
I wonder if the reason she corrected him is she knew the clothes Maddie had picked out and he put the wrong clothes on her.
Loved hearing Sunny’s perspective based on her experience and expertise. Great show G and Sunny. One step closer to justice for Maddie ❤
When they show Jen the picture of Maddie strapped in Stefans car and she says "Thats Maddie sleeping." All matter of fact with that tone of voice. It made me sick. Then she said her BIGGEST FEAR is Stefan and Maddie running away together when Maddie turns 18.... Jen says "I told him please dont do that TO ME!" Do it to her???? WTAF is wrong with her. She doesn't even consider or care what her daughter went through. She was jealous of Maddie like she was the other woman.
I brought this up earlier. The police did not ask Jen about her childhood. This is great. Thank you.
Yes, I wondered why they didn’t ask her about that as well.
Doesn't matter she chose to be a bad mother
The police were investigating the disappearance then murder of a child. They are not forensic psychologists nor there to understand how Jennifer became a disinterested parent. Their whole focus was and should have been finding Maddie & prosecuting the murderer. She can’t be blamed for what influenced her own development but she is an adult who chose to become a mother and neglected that responsibility. Too many people excuse or mitigate behaviour because “oh but their childhood” Let me tell you, many people have traumatic childhoods and if anything make sure they don’t repeat those mistakes or have therapy before becoming a parent.
I do not care if Jenn had a bad childhood or was abused herself to me it makes it worse that she allowed this or took part in the S.A. and orC.S.A.M. I am also sorry to hear what happened to her daughter hopefully her daughter has gotten Counseling and can heal.
Thank you Sunny for your wisdom on grooming and the Maddie Soto case. Also thank you for sharing your personal story with all of us. You and Gisela make an awesome pair with your individual knowledge of true crime. What an awesome time this was in spite of the sad circumstance. It's always good to have more knowledge. Much love to you both 💜💜
This is also my favourite true crime channel. Thank you. Grizzly true crime making me feel safe. Just a Lurker.😊❤
I love Sunny! I really respect her speaking so openly about what happened to her own family.
I understand why Sunny has not listened to her daughter's interview. There is no reason to torture yourself. Unfortunately some of us relive it everyday and it is dangerous. It's dangerous to the healthy mind.
Thank you Gisela and Sunny for such a great video. I’m part of the replay crew because I’ve been very busy this week. I am glad that Sunny brought a different perspective to us by saying sometimes the partner doesn’t know. The big difference is how they react to the truth. Jen did not show any outrage or remorse for what happened to Maddie. This is the best true crime channel!
Gisela your the best, Thank you for the work you do.
This was an amazing episode! I’m so sad I missed this live. Gisela, you and Sunny are both _sensational!!!_ Thank you both for all you have done for victims and specifically for poor Maddie 😢 Signed, a very proud Grizzly
It doesn’t seem like Jen is repulsed like a normal mother would be
That was not “selfish of you” JS it’s plain old “criminal”
Good catch
I hate Jen Soto even more than Stephen Sterns! She knew what was happening and encouraged it. “Woody Allen situation” being her fear! It’s obvious that in her sick mind she meant losing her man to her child…not that her child might be suffering from grooming and abuse. Poor Maddie! 😢
How can you say you hate her more than the actual unaliver and pdfile ? THATS WILD😵🙃
@@FabiolaRVela no it isn't. She allowed it to happen.
Wtf? No. Let's not lose focus. SS is #1 on the list. Period.
@@FabiolaRVela because she was her mother and the person who was supposed to protect her from sick monsters. Instead, she gave her to one!
@@alexisw6764 Oh, I’m not losing focus. Maybe stop gatekeeping who we’re allowed to have disdain for. Jen Soto could have saved her baby instead of handing her over to be abused and murdered.
Great episode! Thank you Sunny for sharing your expertise and being so candid about your personal story... it really is heartbreaking that these predators worm their way in to families!!! Love to you and your family.
I love Sunny so much! People who can be vulnerable in order to help others are true heroes!!!!! Thank you so much for having her on your channel 💖.
What Sunny said is so true, although I never met Maddie can’t help but to carry this child in my heart, she is our child now. ♥️🕊️
Thank you, Gisela!🐻💕 Thank you, Sunny for sharing with us!❤️
❤thank you for your service and support on this case and all the others you are involved in
The only time you would say “I sent them upstairs”, is when you are talking about children. Not an adult and a child!!
No. Just no. Jenn did not get played. She knew he was a Woody Allen. She is also a predator.
Sunny thank you for sharing your experiences and insights.
Thank you for asking for prayers for the Law Enforcement professionals involved in this case.
My brother, who is a police officer, was one of the professionals that had to catalog over 60k images in a CSAM case that he was working years ago.
He receives counseling to this day because of what he experienced. 🖤💙🖤
I don't understand why she would want someone to get him a lawyer, If he did that to my daughter or anyone I know I would ask them to get him a undertaker.
Amen to that!🙌🏼
Because she's obsessed with him and not her daughter
👏👏👏👏☠️☠️☠️
Right!? I’d be the one who needed a good defense attorney if I found out someone did that to my child.
Thank you Gisela for bringing Sunny on. I learned so much from you Sunny. I’m sorry you and your daughter went through that. It’s so important that people know how these groomers work. Thank u thank u thank u 🙏🏻
I am so sorry that I missed Ms. Sunny!
I really do appreciate and loke it when you have her on and she shares her knowledge and experience with us. Very enlightening.
THANK YOU, Mrs. G for all of your hard work, deep dives and time. Such incredible and educational lives and videos
Love Sunny. ❤️ First Time watching her!
"My mom put that in my body" is a strange phrase. Surely it should be "put that in my mind." Did something subconsciously slip through there? Just a thought.
Right?? Also been thinking that.
Gisela, thank you so much for having Sunny on your show and giving her another platform to share her expertise. She used her personal and professional experiences to help us understand the invisible or less-known dynamics in this heartbreaking case. I’ve learned so much valuable information from this one conversation. Thank you both!