California prosecutors charged 15-year-old Adrian Jerry Gonzalez as an adult for murdering and sexually assaulting 8-year-old Madyson "Maddy" Middleton. The girl's body was found in a recycling bin on Monday after being reported missing on Sunday in Santa Cruz, Calif., reported CNN.
Police say that Gonzalez lured Middleton into his family's apartment before tying her up, sexually assaulting her and killing her.
Upon being reported missing, local police initiated a frantic manhunt that drew in volunteers from dozens of local community members, reported the Los Angeles Times.
"At this point, there is no plea deal on anything," said prosecuting Santa Cruz District Attorney Jeffrey Rosell.
Although the victim knew the defendant, Rosell claims that they are unaware of any motive as of yet. "People do things for lots of reasons. Sometimes we understand them. Sometimes we don't," he said.
Gonzalez is currently in custody at the Santa Cruz County juvenile detention center, where he will remain held until sentencing is complete.
Charging a teen as an adult is something not seen often in California. "Off the top of my head, I can't remember any 15-year-old charged with these specific offenses, including sexual assault offenses," said Rosell.
Middleton was set to start the fourth grade in the fall and was remembered fondly by classmates, who placed pictures, notes and toys on her memorial at the Tannery, reported Fox News.
