Posted on 02/26/2025 12:02:03 PM PST by nickcarraway
The man who kidnapped, raped and murdered an 8-year-old girl before placing her body in a recycling bin in 2015 will spend at least another two years in prison.
After less than a week of deliberations, a jury denied Adrian “A.J.” Gonzlaez’s bid for parole Wednesday afternoon.
As the verdict was read, several people in the courtroom cheered, and one man yelled out, suggesting that Gonzalez take his own life.
Gonzalez showed no emotion as the verdict was read, instead staring ahead with a blank look on his face.
The murder of Madyson “Maddy” Middleton happened on July 25, 2015, in Tannery Artist Lofts in Santa Cruz where Maddy and Gonzalez lived, when Gonzalez lured the her to his apartment, attacked her from behind, bound her with duct tape and choked her into unconsciousness before raping her and then stabbing her in the neck when he realized she wasn’t dead yet.
Maddy Middleton’s mother Laura Jordan hugs a friend outside court after the verdict was read. (Tarmo Hannula/The Pajaronian His defense attorney Charlie Stevens stressed that most people are still in a development stage up to the age of 25, and that Gonzalez was not up to some “mastermind plan” to commit murder. Stevens told the jurors during more than a month of testimony that Gonzalez has been rehabilitated.
But prosecutor Tara George argued that Gonzalez, with a history of lying, deception and a range of psychological disorders, is dangerous and a risk to society and should not be released from custody.
This is a developing story. It will be updated.
Execution is the best way to protect society.
These vermin should be released to the victim(s) families.
Why is he up for parole in 10 years?
“This is a developing story.”
I doubt it.
Absolutely, he should have been executed or at least never see the outside again.
California has hundreds on death row, but rare executions. US Supreme Court ruled no executions for crimes as juveniles. Not sure where it says that in the Constitution.
Good question. How is he even up for parole at all?
You sound sympathetic. 🤮 (Oh, he not only killed her, he raped her beforehand.)
They changed state law because of this case.
Last year, a rookie 49er was shot in San Francisco by a 17 year old from the Central Valley. Because of the new state law, it has been very difficult to charge him. Under the new state law, you have to get permission from a judge to charge a minor outside juvenile court.
No, it was not sympathy. It’s sadness that we have children killing children in this country. It would be nice if 15 year olds were not killing, right>
I live not that far away. It was terrible to hear about this poor little girl being murdered, and dumped into the trash. Then to find out someone so young took her life.
Is he an illegal? If so, at least he can be deported once California paroles the bastard (and they will parole the bastard).
Maybe he realizes he is way behind schedule raping and killing little girls.
As far as I can tell, he is a legal citizen.
Not nearly enough.
Without getting too far into the weeds, California passed a law, and it has been upheld by courts so far, that band 14 and 15 year olds from being tried as an adults.
Because of that, he was sentenced in juvenile court. That meant he would stay in juvenile prison until he turned 25, late last year.
They can extend his sentence every two years. He turned 25 late last year, so I guess this was the trial. They will do it over again in two years, and every two years until he gets out.
“After less than a week of deliberations...”
Seriously, it took THAT long to figure out whether the guy was worthy of parole?
Sheesh...
What’s he doing still breathing!
OK, understood.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.