.Adrian Gonzalez Loses Bid for Parole

The man who kidnapped, raped and murdered an 8-year-old girl before placing her body in a recycling bin in 2015 will spend at least another two years in prison.

After less than a week of deliberations, a jury denied Adrian “A.J.” Gonzalez’s bid for parole on Feb. 19 in the Superior Court of Judge Denine Guy.

Gonzalez showed no emotion as the verdict was read, instead staring ahead with a blank look on his face.

In the courtroom, however, several people in the courtroom gasped and yelled “yes!” upon hearing the verdict.

Prosecutor Tara George highlighted outside the court that the crime had a huge impact on the community.

“I think we are all still feeling the ripple effects of this almost 10 years later,” she said. George also emphasized the work and effort that people have put into the case and trial.

The murder of Madyson “Maddy” Middleton happened on July 25, 2015, in the Tannery Artist Lofts in Santa Cruz, where the victim and her killer lived. Gonzalez lured Middleton to his apartment, attacked her from behind, bound her with duct tape and choked her into unconsciousness before raping her and then stabbing her in the neck when he realized she wasn’t dead yet.

Defense attorney Charlie Stevens stressed that most people are still in a development stage up to the age of 25, and that Gonzalez was not up to some “mastermind plan” to commit murder. Stevens told the jurors during more than a month of testimony that Gonzalez has been rehabilitated.

But George argued that Gonzalez, with a history of lying, deception and a range of psychological disorders, is dangerous and a risk to society and should not be released from custody.

“We are very pleased and very happy that the jury saw the case the same way we did,” Santa Cruz District Attorney Jeff Rosell said. He emphasized that Gonzalez “is a danger if released into the public.”

Gonzalez now has 60 days to appeal the verdict. It is unknown if Stevens plans to file an appeal; he declined comment outside the court.