Accused child killer’s behavior under scrutiny
A major point of contention is the intelligence level of the 17-year-old
SANTA CRUZ » Despite progress in school and counseling, Adrian “A. J.” Gonzalez has had troubles with his peers — including three fist fights — every day since his arrest in July 2015, according to testimony Thursday in Santa Cruz County Superior Court.
A. J. is accused of raping and killing 8- year-old Madyson Middleton in Santa Cruz.
The teenager’s behavior-was scrutinized during the fifth-week of proceedings to determine whether the accused child rapist and killer will be tried as an adult.
A central point of discussion has been the 17 year old’s intelligence. On Thursday, the prosecution made the case that the accused killer is intelligent, calculating and cunning.
A. J. is represented by attorney Larry Biggam. The transfer hearing, a proceeding in juvenile court to rule whether a minor warrants reforms offered by the juvenile system, started Aug. 22 before Superior Court Judge John Salazar. A. J. faces a charge of first- degree murder, for which he would spend life in prison if tried and convicted as an adult.
The juvenile system would maintain custody of A.J. until his mid20s. The decision is up to a judge whether to try A. J. as a juvenile or adult.
Thursday, Probation Assistant Division Director Jennifer Buesing answered questions about A. J.’s behavior in Santa Cruz County Juvenile Hall the last two years.
Buesing, whose testimony started Wednesday and drew on reports from staff who worked with the boy, said A. J. is sophisticated and entitled. She said A. J. also exhibited “rude and hostile” actions toward a teacher on one occasion at Juvenile Hall.
Buesing said most of A. J.’s incident reports had nothing to do with his behavior. Incident reports are part of a points system that tracks the behavior of juveniles. Of the 32 incident reports, two of A. J.’s resulted in points lost in light of his behavior. “To me, that’s pretty darn good behavior in the hall,” Salazar said.
While in custody, A. J. also fasted for a day, Big- gam said.
A. J.’s charges made him a target and resulted in multiple fights with his peers, Buesing said. All of the fights were quelled quickly, she said.
“On one occasion, he lost points for manipulating staff,” Buesing said. She also said A. J. is capable of identifying vulnerable staff members.
A. J. had expectations that he would not have to be tried in an adult court, Buesing said. Buesing said he was “confident, excited, looking forward to (the possibility of remaining in juvenile custody).”
Biggam has said his client deserves the chance to be rehabilitated in the juvenile system. Defense witnesses have testified that A. J. was diagnosed with autism, attention- deficit/ hyperactivity disorder and depression after a troubled childhood.
Assistant District Attorney Rafael Vazquez, during opening statements, said the homicide was a calculated attack.
A. J. has shown “very high” competency, Buesing said.
Biggam has said his client’s high grades signals A. J.’s ability to be rehabilitated.
The hearing will resume 1:30 p.m. Friday and court officials expect proceedings to continue next week.