Santa Cruz community celebrates the life of Maddy Middleton

Sunday was a somber but celebratory day in Santa Cruz for the life of 8-year-old Maddy Middleton. It’s been almost a month since her body was found in a dumpster at her apartment complex in Santa Cruz, her suspected killer is her 15 year old neighbor.

NewsChannel 5 was at Kaiser Permanente Arena for the ceremonial celebration where hundreds of people came to show their support.

The stands were full as folks listened to bagpipes and watched Maddy’s mom and loved ones walked out to pay tribute to Maddy. Her mom started out by reading from her late daughter’s diary, and ended with these final words: “Though she’s not with us physically, she will always be with us.” Those who attended got to see a video made by Maddy herself.

It was an emotional experience, especially for Maddy’s father who was sitting in stands across from a picture of he and his daughter. Clara Townsend is a friend of Michael Middleton, and had this message for him, “I love you Mike, Maddy rest in peace forever.”

“It’s just been heart breaking for me for everyone I know and it’s hard to think about,” Santa Cruz Mayor Don Lane said. But the mayor wanted to respect the families wishes and make the day one to celebrate.

“Now therefore, I Don Lane the Mayor of Santa Cruz do hereby proclaim October 5th, 2015 as Maddy Middleton day in the city of Santa Cruz,” Lane said.

The Tannery Arts Complex community couldn’t have a celebration without art and music. A couple musician payed tribute to Maddy with songs by the Beatles. People traveled from all over the area to pay their respects and many with little girls around Maddy’s age. Kristen Bepristis came from Boulder Creek with her two granddaughters.

“Breaks my heart that we have to go to these lengths and you have to go an extra mile to teach them to be safe,” Bepristis said. Her granddaughters had a message for Maddy, “Rest in peace up there. Rest in peace up there.”