A teen boy in California pleaded not guilty Monday to luring an 8-year-old Madyson "Maddy" Middleton into his apartment, tying her up, and then raping and killing her.
Adrian Jerry Gonzalez, 15, pleaded not guilty to felony charges of murder, kidnapping to commit another crime, sexual penetration by a foreign object, two counts of forcible lewd acts on a child, and forcible rape on a child under 14 years old. He is being charged as an adult.
Madyson Middleton.
AP
Maddy's disappearance sparked a massive search in Santa Cruz that ended in tragedy on July 27, when her body was discovered in a recycle bin at the Tannery Arts Center's housing complex, where Gonzalez also lived.
According to initial autopsy reports, Maddy reportedly died of multiple stab wounds and asphyxiation.
Speaking outside the courthouse on Monday, Maddy's father, Michael Middleton, appealed for calm in the community despite the outrage sparked by the violent killing.
"I understand people are going to have their feelings about it — some people are going to be angry, some people are going to want blood," he told reporters. "I don’t want that because that just does it in Madyson’s name, and it kind of taints her memory if that's what people want. Justice will be served."
He spoke through tears among a crowd of people who gathered outside the courthouse displaying signs and photos in remembrance of Maddy.
If convicted of all charges, Gonzalez faces life in prison, according to the Santa Cruz County district attorney's office. He is being held in a juvenile detention center in lieu of $5 million bail.
LINK: California Teen Charged As Adult In Killing Of 8-Year-Old Girl
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