Photo by Todd Guild/Pajaronian
Madyson Middleton’s grandmother Lisa Jordan speaks with reporters outside court after a judge ruled that her granddaughter’s alleged killer will be tried as an adult.
SANTA CRUZ — Adrian Jere Gonzalez, who is accused of raping and murdering 8-year-old Madyson “Maddy” Middleton in 2015, will be tried as an adult, a Santa Cruz County Superior Court judge ruled Tuesday.
Both Judge John Salazar and Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeff Rosell said the case was among the worst they have seen in their decades of experience in the criminal justice system.
Outside court, Rosell said he was happy with the ruling.
“We believe the judge did a fantastic job of not only making the rulings, but articulating the exact reasons for those rulings,” Rosell said.
The decision means that, if found guilty, Gonzalez could spend the rest of his life in state prison.
Santa Cruz County Public Defender Larry Biggam said he was “disappointed but not terribly surprised,” and said the decision is “contrary to the evidence.”
Biggam he plans to appeal, a process he said could take two months.
“I believe the decision reflects people’s understandable anger over this crime,” he said.
Biggam said that he could end up in adult prison without treatment and subject to a predatory environment.
“He needs to be punished, but in a safe environment with lots of treatment to help him make positive changes,” Biggam said.
Salazar made the announcement in front of a packed courtroom that included family, friends and media.
Outside court, Maddy’s grandmother Lisa Jordan sat on a bench, crying and clutching a bag full of her granddaughter’s toys and clothing items. She expressed relief at the decision.
“”I’m glad he won’t be able to hurt anyone else,” she said.
Maddy’s mother Laura Jordan said she plans to attend Gonzlaez’ upcoming trial. She agreed with the judge’s opinion that he is beyond the help of juvenile court.
Jordan also believes that Gonzalez is a psychopath.
He is a serial killer, just beginning,” she said. “He took my daughter as his first kill.”
This story will be updated.
