Father of Madyson Middleton wants community to remember her
UPDATE 5:15 p.m. 9/18/15
“Remember Maddy.” That’s what the father of eight-year-old Madyson Middleton said on Friday, days before the teen accused of killing the Santa Cruz girl is formally arraigned. It’s been nearly two months since Madyson was found murdered as her apartment complex. As we shift toward the trial portion, Michael Middleton wants people to remember her, and not the suspect. That’s why he’s holding a rally to honor his little girl before Monday’s court hearing.
“I’m hoping to get family and friends,” Middleton said. “Anybody in the community that wants to come out. But I don’t want any negativity. I don’t want it to be a protest. I want it to be just to support Madyson.”
It’s the community’s support that’s been a bright light during this dark time for Michael.
“I’m still going through things but I’m trying to get life back on track,” Middleton said. “Working. socializing. Doing things like this to still remember Madyson.
As he remembers her hugs and kisses, walks on the beach and bowling dates, he wants others to remember her as a shining star.
“She will remembered I think as an eight year old little angel,” Middleton said. “I think that’s what most people are going to remember. They are going to remember this bright little spirit and I’m going to continue to try to keep her memory alive.”
The case has been particularly painful for the people who live and work at the Tannery Arts Center. That’s because many of them knew both Middleton and Gonzalez. Middleton has not spoken to the suspect’s family, but says they are welcome to join the rally at the courthouse.
15-year-old Adrian Gonzalez will be tried as an adult.
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“Remember Maddy.” That’s what the father of Madyson Middleton is asking people, days before the teen accused of killing the eight-year-old Santa Cruz girl is formally arraigned. Michael Middleton is holding a rallyon Monday morning, ahead of Adrian Jerry Gonzalez’s court hearing. He’s also asking community members attending the rally to be supportive, rather than protest.
“I’m hoping to get family and friends,” Middleton said. “Anybody in the community that wants to come out. But I don’t want any negativity. I don’t want it to be a protest. I want it to be just to support Madyson.”
Middleton, 8, was brutally murdered at her apartment complex in Santa Cruz. Gonzalez, 15, is being tried as an adult.
News Channel 5 will have more on this story coming up tonight.
