SANTA CRUZ, Calif. – A 15-year-old California boy charged as an adult with kidnapping and killing his 8-year-old neighbor has pleaded not guilty.
The San Francisco Chronicle reports (http://abc7ne.ws/1KGsPtu ) that Adrian Gonzalez entered his plea Monday to charges in Madyson Middleton's death. He also has been accused of sexually assaulting the girl.
His public defender, Larry Biggam, told reporters that his job is to ensure Gonzalez receives a fair trial.
Gonzalez and Madyson both lived at the Tannery Arts Center, a housing complex for artists in the beach town of Santa Cruz. She was reported missing July 26 and her body was discovered inside a recycling bin the following night after an extensive search.
Police say the teen lured Madyson into his family's apartment. An autopsy shows she died of asphyxiation and stab wounds to the neck.
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Information from: San Francisco Chronicle, http://www.sfgate.com
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