Briana Mathaw
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV)- The trial of AJ Gonzalez continued with a former childhood investigator taking the stand.
Katherine Johnson, a retired investigative and social history worker, testified about her investigation into Gonzalez’s childhood.
Defense Attorney for Gonzalez, Charlie Stevens, questions Johnson as she revealed that details about Gonzalez’s mother. Johnson said that his mother faced a myriad of issues including substance abuse, domestic violence and unstable relationships.
She went on to further testify that the family had moved more than 35 times causing AJ to miss school frequently and struggle academically. There were also reports of child protective services being involved over the years.
During the cross examination, many people inside the courtroom noticed Johnson’s inconsistencies from earlier statements.
“This morning, she went into a grandiose statement. I’m generalizing information that she supposedly had gathered during her investigation,” Santa Cruz resident Shawna Spaulding who was at the trial said. “And then this afternoon on cross-examination, she’s appearing this very much as a hostile witness and is very reluctant on agreeing with any of the statements that Terry George from the DA’s office is asking her.”
Many people attending the trial are still concerned about what Gonzalez’s release could mean for public safety.
“If you were to be released today or if the jury decides he should be held for two more years, when he is released, he would not be on parole. He would just be out,” Spaulding said. “No parole, no registered sex offender. And that’s very alarming to me. As a grandparent, as a former teacher, thinking about someone with a record like that, just roaming free without any checks and balances. There have been some notorious cases where people re-offend.”
There are also concerns about Gonzalez’s readiness for release with testimony revealing how he has struggled to complete rehabilitation programs.
“He’s not ready to be released, that he’s that unstable and the fact that there’s been testimony that in a seven-chapter program, a seven-phase program, he didn’t even finish phase three yet,” Spaulding said. “And so he’s not even halfway through it, not even a quarter way through of, the one program that he is in.”
Supporters of Maddy Middleton’s family were in the courtroom and urges others to attend the trial to show up as a community.
“Please come to the courthouse and support the families that need supporting. It’s it’s a big, daunting process for them. And they need to feel like community support,” Spaulding said. “Starting in November, it’s important to me, for one, to make sure Maddie’s mom feels supported by her community. And to send the message to support the baby’s life mattered, but largely to support her mom and make sure she knows that community supports her.”
The trial continues Thursday at 10:30 a.m. with more witnesses expected to take the stand as it continues.
Thursday, November 21st, Santa Cruz County Assistant District Attorney Tara George and Gonzalez’s defense attorney, Charlie Stevens shared opening arguments.
Tara George describing AJ Gonzalez as still dangerous while Gonzalez’s defense attorney, Charlie Stevens emphasized his rehabilitation efforts.
The prosecution outlined chilling motives behind Gonzalez’s actions, suggesting a disturbing mindset that ultimately led to the tragedy.
As graphic details emerged, some jurors visibly reacted, with eyes closed as they processed the disturbing information.
Inside the courtroom photos and voice recordings were shown by Attorney Tara George when officers approached Gonzalez at the Tannery during the search for Maddy, saying he displayed no signs of anxiety.
In contrast, Gonzalez’s defense attorney discussed his difficult upbringing, characterized by violence at home and his attempts at rehabilitation.
Lieutenant Sergeant Dan Forbus from the Santa Cruz Police Department took the stand, recounting the events of that day during the investigation.
Tuesday in Santa Cruz, honorable Judge Guy ruled that AJ Gonzalez may have probable cause for potential release.
Judge Guy said that this “unique process” under state law allows for a jury to ultimately decide if Gonzalez should be released.
The jurors will be tasked with affirming Judge Guy’s ruling for probable cause, or to decide that Gonzalez should not be released. They will determine whether Gonzalez is too dangerous for release in the public.
Said trail needs to legally take place within a 30-day window. Judge Guy has scheduled the trial readiness hearing for August 14 at 9 a.m.
If all attorney parties are ready, the decisive trial could begin on August 19.
Witnesses take the stand; the late breaking news out of Santa Cruz.
The man convicted of murdering 8-year-old Maddy Middleton.
AJ Gonzalez pleaded guilty and received the maximum juvenile sentence back in 2021.
Gonzalez did not appear in person Tuesday in court, instead he participated silently from zoom.
In the hearing, witnesses testified on behalf of AJ Gonzales.
One witness from the San Francisco Forensic Institute, Emma Ewelm, talked about his sessions there.
Ewelm testified about surveillance that allegedly showed Gonzales with Maddy Middleton shortly before her disappearance.
Many in the courtroom recalling the harrowing account that happened that day, citing brutal details.
Those of us in attendance could not record the hearing, but we were able to see AJ Gonzales also remote, he was sitting on a couch and it looked like he was writing.
People outside the courtroom were carrying signs that read, “Maddy Middleton — never forget.”
“I am friends with June, who was best friends with Maddy when she passed away,” said Jasmine. “I am here to support June. He is a very dangerous individual that should not be let out and would not be safe for anyone.”
One of Maddy Middleton’s friends who also lived at Tannery Arts Center, spoke about what it means for her to be out here in honor of Maddy.
She did not want to share her name.
“I feel like she deserves justice, and I and everyone else here are the ones that are able to fight for her. [I] just want to make sure people remember my best friend and the horrible atrocity that happened cause she would be 17 right now turning almost 18,” a friend of Maddy Middleton said. “Instead, she is gone and never gets to live another day, and her killer would get the chance to if he gets free.”
During the hearing, it was revealed that Gonzales had been struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts for several months.
After review of his social media, it showed posts expressing his feelings of self-hatred.
Emma Ewelm from the San Francisco Forensic Institute said that treatment for Gonzales has not focused on themes of pedophilla, necrophilia or sexual sadism.
Other witnesses included Jason Bell, a professor at San Francisco State and Gabe Singer from Outreach.
The ruling is planned for August 6 at 10 a.m.
The court is allowing AJ Gonzalez to remain remote in order to fulfill his treatment plan.
