Gonzalez pleads not guilty to Middleton murder

“I would rather have been out here for Madyson and that’s what was important for me”, said Michael Middleton, Maddy’s father.

Middleton’s father, Michel Middleton, held a rally outside the courthouse in Santa Cruz today in order to say “Hate won’t bring Maddy back”, and to call for the focus to remain on the memory of his daughter.

Madyson was last seen riding a scooter about 5 p.m. on July 26 at the apartment complex where she lived with her family. Three GoFundMe pages have been set up to help family members.

Investigators quickly detained Gonzalez, who lives in a unit above the garage, police said.

According to initial autopsy reports, Maddy reportedly died of multiple stab wounds and asphyxiation. He is also accused of lying in wait.

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. Police twice conducted a door-to-door search of the entire apartment complex, as well as a homeless shelter across the street. Flags were lowered to half-staff and hand-written signs popped up in storefronts and on light posts in honor of the girl.

Gonzalez is represented by public defender, Larry Biggam, who told reporters at the teen’s first court appearance that his job is to “review the evidence, conduct our own investigation and make sure that the minor, like every citizen accused, receives a fair trial”.

Monday morning, Gonzalez appeared in Santa Cruz County Superior Court in Juvenile Hall-issued khaki trousers and a green shirt.

As Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeff Rosell said at the time, “People do things for lots of reasons”.