Santa Cruz (KRON) — The Santa Cruz Warriors have announced plans for public memorial for Madyson “Maddy” Middleton, the 8-year-old girl who was kidnapped and murdered last month.
A public service will be held at the Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz at 3 p.m. August 23. Thousands of people — including family, neighbors, and Santa Cruz Warriors players — are expected to attend.
“The family of Maddy along with support from Tannery Arts Center resident artists and the Santa Cruz Warriors are in the process of completing the program for that day, which may include a variety of artists’ performances and other activities thanking the public for their support,” said Gina Antoniello, a Santa Cruz Warriors spokesperson.
Middleton was reported missing July 26 after she was last seen riding her white Razor Scooter around the Tannery Arts Center located at 1030 River St., about two miles from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.SECTION: Full coverage of Madison Middleton case
Her body was discovered the next night inside of a dumpster in an enclosed ground level garage at the complex.
Middleton’s 15-year-old neighbor, Adrian Jerry Gonzalez, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and has been charged as an adult.
According to police, the girl was lured into the teen’s apartment on Sunday night. Investigators found evidence that the girl was murdered inside the upstairs apartment before her body was carried down into the first floor garage then placed into a recycling bin.
Police say Gonzalez went to great lengths to hide her body. Police also said Middleton went with the teen because she trusted him.