Inside the Minds of Stephan Sterns' Parents: A Psychologist's View

True Crime Today | A True Crime Podcast

In this episode of Hidden Killers With Tony Brueski, psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott discusses the background of Stephan Stern, accused of abusing Maddie Soto, based on an interview with his parents. The conversation explores Stern’s traumatic brain injury from being run over by a truck at a young age, which Scott believes stunted his neurodevelopment, leading to issues with impulsiveness, judgment, and manipulation. His parents describe him as never having developed into a functional adult, with a lifestyle dependent on lies and financial support from them. Scott also discusses the potential link between his immaturity and his attraction to children, highlighting that such offenders often feel inadequate around adults and are drawn to vulnerable children. While Stern knew right from wrong, Scott points out that his compulsive behavior, combined with years spent isolated and online, fueled his predatory actions. Despite understanding his troubled background, Scott stresses that none of this excuses Stern's actions, labeling him a dangerous individual who knowingly harmed Maddie and exploited his access to her through a relationship with her mother, Jen Soto.
- Stephan Stern’s neurodevelopment was likely stunted by a childhood brain injury, leading to lifelong behavioral issues.
- Stern’s parents continued financially supporting him despite recognizing his manipulative and dysfunctional behavior.
- Scott suggests Stern’s attraction to children may be tied to his emotional immaturity and inability to relate to adults.
- Despite his developmental challenges, Stern was fully aware of the wrongness of his actions.
- Stern’s predatory behavior was exacerbated by isolation and compulsive online activity, making him a danger to vulnerable individuals.
#StephanStern #MaddieSoto #ChildAbuse #TraumaticBrainInjury #Neurodevelopment #PredatoryBehavior #HiddenKillers
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