Hearings underway to potentially release convicted killer of Maddy Middleton

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION) -- Protesters returned to the Santa Cruz County Courthouse this week, voicing their concerns about a convicted child killer potentially being released this year.

Adrian Gonzalez was convicted and sentenced for the brutal rape, murder of 8-year-old Maddy Middleton back on July 2015.

As the anniversary of her death nears, court hearings are underway to potentially release Gonzalez on probation, because Gonzalez was 15-years-old at the time of Maddy's murder.

Protesters arrived early Friday morning in solidarity and justice for Maddy Middleton.

"She would be an adult by now," said one protester to KION who wished not to share their name. "She would just be graduating from high school having a wonderful life and instead she's gone. Stolen from all of us."

Discussions in the courtroom focused on the treatment plans for AJ Gonzalez and analyzed how he's engaging with people at the facility.

His release is being considered as a result of the passage of Senate Bill 1391.

People in favor of the bill said Gonzalez has a better shot at rehabilitation in the juvenile system as opposed to an adult facility.

The Santa Cruz County District Attorney disagreed. Jeff Rosell previously told KION the severity of the crime Gonzalez committed makes him incapable of being rehabilitated.

"“The level of meditation and the heinous acts transpired disposed in the garbage he treated her like she was trash," said a protester to KION.

Gonzalez turns 25 in October 2024.

"To be free, he will have had nine years to think about ways to get away with what he did," said a friend of Maddy's mom to KION.

Additional hearings are scheduled in the coming days.

Adrian Gonzalez sentenced as juvenile amid protests

Adrian "AJ" Gonzalez, who pleaded guilty to all charges related to the murder of Maddy Middleton in Santa Cruz, received his sentence during a court appearance Tuesday.

A judge sentenced Gonzalez to the maximum term he can receive in juvenile court, so he could be released when he is 25 in four years.

"Anybody who thinks that this person is going to be healthy and fixed, and able to come out into society at the age of 25 is mistaken," said Santa Cruz District Attorney, Jeff Rossel.

Maddy's father, mother, and grandparent spoke during the sentencing. Her father, Michael Middleton, said he has accepted her loss because there is no other option and says forgiveness is key to him but said what happened to Maddy cannot be allowed to happen again and that Gonzalez should never have an opportunity to repeat the crimes again. Maddy's mother, Laura Jordan, spoke about the plans the family made for her future, but also about the effect Maddy's murder had on her. She said it still feels as if a cannonball was fired, leaving a hole in her. She said Maddy and Gonzalez grew up together and that they went to birthday parties at the house where he murdered her.

"Following the loss of my daughter, I've endured six long years of immense grief," said the mother, Laura Jordan. "I still feel as if a cannonball was fired, shooting through the back of my heart exploding it into bits."

She also claimed that Gonzalez was given the opportunity to write a letter of apology to the family, but declined the opportunity and did not show remorse. However, today Gonzalez did offer an apology.

"I understand there's little I could say after all the pain and suffering I have caused," said Adrian Gonzalez. "My goal is to work on my issues so no one else can experience what you endured. I'm aware that hasn't changed the fact I have brought you tragedy, loss, and devastation."

Defense Attorney Larry Biggam said his client is also the victim of abuse, abandonment and neglect.

"When we deal with kids like this, we have to give them a safe environment in an age-appropriate environment where they get the opportunity for rehabilitation and redemption," said Biggam. "And sb 1391 tells us that kids especially 14 and 15-year-olds are more than their crimes."

Craig Haney, a psychology professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz said he is confident that Gonzalez will be able to rehabilitate in the short time he has left in California's juvenile system. He also said that González has a much better chance of being rehabilitated in the juvenile system than in adult prison.

Several gathered to protest outside the fact that he was tried as a minor. They do not believe that González will be able to rehabilitate and think that he deserves more time than what he was sentenced with.

PREVIOUS STORY: Adrian Gonzalez, the suspect who pled guilty to all charges related to the murder of Maddy Middleton, is expecting to appear in court for his sentencing Tuesday.

Adrian Gonzalez, 21, pleaded guilty to the charges of kidnapping, rape, murder and molestation of 8-year-old Maddy Middleton earlier this month. He was originally set to be tried in adult court and pleaded not guilty to the charges, but in February the California Supreme Court ruled that minors under the age of 16 cannot be tried in adult criminal court. After the ruling, Gonzalez changed his plea.

Gonzalez was fifteen years old at the time of the murder. He may be sent to the Department of Juvenile Justice and released when he is 25 in four years. A spokesperson for the DA's Office said it is not known if he will need to register as a sex offender after he turns 25.

A protest is expected to take place outside the courthouse during the sentencing.