Mom of slain Santa Cruzdoesn't fault teen suspect's mom

SANTA CRUZ — The mother of a slain 8-year-old Northern California girl said she doesn't fault the mom of the 15-year-old neighbor boy accused of the killing.

Laura Jordan said she hugged Reggie Factor at a memorial for Madyson Middleton, the daughter of Jordan, the San Francisco Chronicle (http://bit.ly/1MHcPs2) reported Monday.

Factor's son, Adrian Jerry Gonzalez, is accused of kidnapping, raping and killing Madyson inside his family's apartment at a housing complex in Santa Cruz where both families live.

"I just love her, and we both lost our children that day. That's the tragic truth," Jordan said. "I don't fault her."

Gonzalez is being prosecuted as an adult and has not entered a plea. His next hearing is set for Sept. 21.

Jordan described her daughter, "Maddy," as energetic and active. She loved to dance, run and play. She also loved animals, especially wolves.

So Jordan invited friends and strangers to howl Friday at July's second full moon. People from across Santa Cruz and beyond joined in and used the hashtag #HowlforMaddy to share their grief.

Jordan told the newspaper she would like to raise money to help young people who may have mental health problems.

"My daughter was sacrificed, but she didn't die in vain," Jordan said. "So much good is coming from her death."

Factor could not be reached for comment by The Associated Press.

Both women live at the Tannery Arts Center, a unique housing complex dedicated to artists and their families. Madyson was reported missing July 26 and her body was discovered inside a recycling bin the following night.