Calif. teen charged with killing neighbor, 8, appears in court
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - The Santa Cruz 15-year-old boy charged with murdering and raping 8-year-old Madyson Middleton has made his first court appearance.
Adrian Jerry Gonzalez, who is charged as an adult, did not enter a plea at the Thursday appearance. The Santa Cruz County District Attorney's office says the teen's arraignment is continued to Sept. 21.
KNTV reports Gonzalez was led into the courthouse by an attorney, his hands cuffed in front of him.
Gonzalez faces a maximum of life in prison if convicted. A criminal complaint obtained by 48 Hours' Crimesider alleges that he bound, raped, and killed the girl.
Police say the teen lured Middleton into his family's apartment Sunday from a courtyard at an artists complex where both lived with their mothers. The two were neighborhood acquaintances, and officials believe the child went to the apartment of her own free will.
Police say Gonzalez hid her body in a recycling bin after killing her. They have not said how she died.
He was arrested after he was found in the same area as the bin where the body was found Monday, possibly watching investigators search, officials have said.
A neighbor told CBS affiliate KPIX Gonzalez was often seen around the apartment complex playing with a yo-yo.