Former Sunday School Teacher Indicted in Girl’s Death

By Sarah Harper

Published on August 23, 2009

On Monday, a grand jury in San Joaquin County, California indicted Melissa Huckaby, 28, in the death of 8-year-old Sandra Cantu. A former Sunday school teacher, Huckaby faces charges of kidnapping, murder, and rape in the child's death. The rape accusations involve special circumstances.

Huckaby is accused of murdering Sandra, who disappeared on March 27 in Tracy, California. Her body was discovered on April 6 in a suitcase in an irrigation pond near the trailer park where Sandra's family, and Huckaby and Huckaby's daughter, lived. Huckaby's daughter and Sandra were playmates.

In June, Huckaby pleaded not guilty to all charges. The jury issued the indictment Monday after hearing two weeks of testimony. When the judge read the charges, Huckaby wept but otherwise said nothing.

Huckaby, who is held in the San Joaquin County Jail without bail, has tried to commit suicide in jail. Because of the special circumstances, prosecutors will take approximately two more months to decide whether or not to seek the death penalty.

The judge scheduled Huckaby's next court appearance for September 10, allowing her attorney time to review the indictment. The judge has not set a trial date.

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