Body found in search for missing girl, 8; teen in custody

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. -- Santa Cruz police have confirmed that a body found in a recycle bin is Madyson "Maddy" Middleton. A 15-year-old boy has been booked on suspicion of murder.

The teen is also a resident at the apartment complex where the girl lived. Madyson willingly went to the boy's apartment, where she was killed, Santa Cruz Police Chief Kevin Vogel said at a news conference. A motive has not yet been released.

Of the discovery of Madyson's body, Vogel said, "It was horrific; it was horrible."

The Santa Cruz district attorney said the teen may be tried as an adult on some counts.

On Monday night, neighbors say they saw the teen being taken away in handcuffs and was very calm. The teen's mother, however, was in tears and screaming hysterically.

Neighbors describe the 15-year-old suspect as a nice boy. Neighbor Terrance Keller said, "From what I know, he's very well-spoken and has very kind manners. So like I said, it's just a shocking situation altogether."

PHOTOS: Police make grim discovery in search for Santa Cruz girl

There are still a lot of questions in this case -- police have yet to say how and why Maddy was killed and what exactly led detectives to the recycle bin.

Maddy was first reported missing Sunday evening. She was last seen riding her white Razor scooter by surveillance cameras near the garage where she was ultimately found.

Police are interviewing witnesses, they say the 15-year-old is the only suspect in this case.

Meantime, the community plans to hold a vigil tonight at the Tannery in memory of Maddy.

The Associated Press has contributed to this report