Emotional day in court as Maddy Middleton's parents confront their daughter's killer
"AJ, I've been hollowed out by your cruel brutal unconscionable act."
An emotional sentencing hearing for Maddy Middleton's parents and grandparents who've waited six years for their daughter’s killer to be sentenced.
"She trusted you. You lured her in. You are a sociopathic murderer, who premeditated the crime you committed that ended our sweet little girl's life," said Laura Jordan, Maddy’s mother and only child.
Related |
Maddy Middleton's killer given a maximum sentence
Gonzalez was 15 when he lured the little girl into his neighboring apartment at the Tannery's Arts Center. He assaulted and strangled her, then wrapped her body in a trash bag and left her to die in a recycle bin.
A video of Maddy was played in court.
Maddy's mom wanted Gonzalez to know who her daughter was--it was the same video played at Maddy's funereal in 2015.
"And Maddy made that video to show you what she was all about and what the Tannery was all about," said her mom.
"I know there is little I can say for the pain and suffering that I caused," Gonzalez said.
Without emotion, Gonzalez asked the victim's family for forgiveness and acknowledged he has issues to work on.
His words offered no comfort to Maddy's Family.
"He doesn't have a heart. he doesn't have a conscious he's a sociopath I'm sure he was instructed to say that!" Jordan said.
Outside of court, Maddy's grandmother spoke to us about how she misses her every day.
She would come up to me and throw her arms around my neck; I love you Grammie! Grammie! Grammie! I cry every single day and I haven't been the same' said a teary-eyed, Lisa Jordan.
There was no surprise in the sentencing. Gonzalez will be sent to the Division of Juvenile Justice in Stockton, where he could be released after he turns 25.
If he had been convicted in adult court, the 21-year-old would have received a life sentence
Gonzalez was also ordered by the judge that he will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.