Coroner: Madyson Middleton died of asphyxiation, stab wounds to neck
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - The 8-year-old California girl allegedly murdered by her teenage neighbor died from asphyxiation and stab wounds to the neck, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office Coroner.
Madyson Middleton went missing on Sunday, July 26. Her body was found the next day in a recycling bin at the apartment complex where she - and her alleged killer - lived.
Adrian Jerry Gonzalez, 15, is accused of kidnapping, raping and killing Madyson inside his family's apartment. Gonzalez has been charged with felony murder, forcible rape and lewd acts on a child under 14.
Police believe the boy, who Madyson knew as an acquaintance, killed her while they were alone in his apartment and then tried to conceal her body in the bin.
"She went there of her own volition as far as we can tell - she knew him. She was 8 years old. I think she had a reasonable amount of trust in him," said Santa Cruz police chief Kevin Vogel. "We don't believe she was taken there against her will."
Gonzalez is being prosecuted as an adult and has not entered a plea. His next hearing is set for Sept. 21.