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Melissa Huckaby due in court
Monday, August 17, 2009 | 9:50 AM
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The woman accused of sexually assaulting and killing an eight-year-old Tracy girl is due in court on Monday.

Her neighbor Huckaby was charged a few days later. But a secret two-week grand jury just ended, and now her court date's been moved up. We won't know why until she makes a court appearance this afternoon.

VIDEO: Judge Seals Cantu Autopsy, Toxicology Results
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/video?id=6779610

Slideshow: Sandra Cantu murder case
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/gallery?section=news/local/east_bay&id=6761334&photo=1

Article:
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/east_bay&id=6968957
 
Huckaby Due In Court Today For Surprise Appearance
August 17, 2009
<snipped>
Former Sunday School teacher Melissa Huckaby's next court hearing was scheduled for next month, but for unknown reasons, she will be appearing before a judge this afternoon at around 1:00pm.

The new court date could indicate that the San Joaquin County Grand Jury has concluded its investigation and has decided to indict Huckaby. If indicted, Huckaby faces the death penalty for the March 2009 murder of 8-year-old Sandra Cantu of Tracy.

Melissa Huckaby will be appearing before a judge this afternoon at around 1:00pm. If indicted, Huckaby faces the death penalty for the March 2009 murder of 8-year-old Sandra Cantu.
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Article:
http://www.fox40.com/news/headlines/ktxl-news-huckaby0817,0,7005606.story
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Huckaby back in court at 1 p.m. today
August 17, 2009 11:10 AM
<snipped>
Melissa Huckaby is expected in a Stockton courtroom today in a rescheduled hearing following a secret grand jury proceeding.

Originally set for a September hearing, Huckaby's new court date may indicate that the grand jury has indicted 28-year-old Huckaby, who will face a new arraignment today.

The case that drew national media attention could result in a death sentence for Huckaby.

A secret grand jury met during the last two weeks in July to hear evidence against Huckaby. With an indictment, Huckaby's case goes straight to trial rather than the anticipated preliminary hearing in open court.

The hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. before San Joaquin County Superior Court Judge Linda Lofthus.

Read Tuesday's Record for more on this story by staff writer Scott Smith and check Recordnet.com today for updates..


Article:
http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090817/A_NEWS/908179992
 
Melissa Huckaby Indicted In Sandra Cantu Case
Aug 17, 2009 2:15 pm US/Pacific
<snipped>
A San Joaquin grand jury has indicted a Sunday school teacher on charges she kidnapped, raped and killed an 8-year-old girl and drugged two other people.

Twenty-eight-year-old Melissa Huckaby broke down in tears as Judge Linda Lofthus read the indictment against her Monday. Huckaby appeared to have scratches on her face and arms.

Prosecutors convened a grand jury in late July rather than hold a preliminary hearing to determine whether Huckaby would stand trial. A trial date has not been set.

VIDEO: Huckaby Pleads Not Gulity In Sandra Cantu Case
http://www.cbs13.com/video/?id=55375@kovr.dayport.com

VIDEO: Huckaby Defense Attacks Patalogist's Credibility
http://www.cbs13.com/video/?id=52681@kovr.dayport.com

VIDEO: Crowds Line Up For Huckaby Court Hearing
http://www.cbs13.com/video/?id=52721@kovr.dayport.com

VIDEO: Huckaby Appears In Court But Does Not Enter A Plea April 24, 2009 7:22 AM
http://www.cbs13.com/video/?id=52731@kovr.dayport.com

VIDEO: Huckaby Appears In Court But Does Not Enter A Plea April 24, 2009 12:10PM
http://www.cbs13.com/video/?id=52745@kovr.dayport.com

Article:
http://cbs13.com/breakingnews/melissa.huckaby.indicted.2.1132335.html
 
Huckaby indicted in kidnap, rape, murder of Cantu
Monday, August 17, 2009
<snipped>
A San Joaquin grand jury has indicted a Sunday school teacher on charges she kidnapped, raped and killed an 8-year-old girl and drugged two other people.

Twenty-eight-year-old Melissa Huckaby broke down in tears as Judge Linda Lofthus read the indictment against her Monday.

Prosecutors convened a grand jury in late July rather than hold a preliminary hearing to determine whether Huckaby would stand trial. A trial date has not been set.

Article:
http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/state&id=6969487
 
Huckaby indicted in kidnap, rape, murder of Cantu
Posted: 08/17/2009 02:13:19 PM PDT
<snipped>
A San Joaquin grand jury has indicted a Sunday school teacher on charges she kidnapped, raped and killed an 8-year-old girl and drugged two other people.
Twenty-eight-year-old Melissa Huckaby broke down in tears as Judge Linda Lofthus read the indictment against her Monday.

Prosecutors convened a grand jury in late July rather than hold a preliminary hearing to determine whether Huckaby would stand trial. A trial date has not been set.

Huckaby previously pleaded not guilty to murdering 8-year-old Sandra Cantu, whose body was found stuffed in a suitcase pulled from an irrigation pond in April.

She also pleaded not guilty to charges drugging a 7-year-old girl as well as a 37-year-old man, whom police believe she had dated.

Article:
http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_13145471
 
Grand Jury Indicts Huckaby in Cantu Murder, Poison Attempts
August 17, 2009
UPDATED: 4 mins ago
<snipped>
The San Joaquin County grand jury indicted Huckaby on five counts: murder with the allegation of kidnapping; sex with a child 10 years old or younger; child abuse and endangerment; furnishing a harmful substance to a child; and furnishing a harmful substance to an adult.

The murder indictment carries two special circumstances: lewd and lascivious acts on a child, and rape by instrument.

The harmful substance indictments stem from charges prosecutors filed in May alleging Huckaby tried to poison a 7-year-old girl and a man. The girl recovered. The man has not been found.

Huckaby had visible marks on her forehead when she appeared in court Monday. A prosecutor indicted Huckaby had made the marks herself Monday morning.

The former Sunday School teacher did not enter a plea to charges.

A trial date has not been set.

The district attorney's office has not determined if it will seek the death penalty against Huckaby.

The judge has imposed a gag order on the case, prohibiting court officials and participants from commenting to media.

Article:
http://www.news10.net/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=65310&catid=2
 
Indictment in Sandra Cantu Case
Posted: Monday, 17 August 2009 1:35PM
<snipped>
Melissa Huckaby, accused of killing and raping her 8-year-old neighbor in Tracy has been indicted on five counts.
The indictment includes three special circumstances, which makes the case eligible for the death penalty.

The 28-year-old was in court on Monday after being arraigned on murder, kidnapping and rape with a foreign object in the Cantu case last month.

She is also accused of giving a foreign substance to another child and a man.

Huckaby had visible cuts on her forehead and forearm while appearing at the courthouse.

Those cuts apparently stemmed from an incident in the jail, although that could not be confirmed because of a gag order in the case.

There was no plea entered in court Monday; Huckaby had previously plead not guilty to all counts.

The next trial date is tentatively set for September 10.

Article:
http://www.kcbs.com/Indictment-in-Sandra-Cantu-Case/5023639
 
By Sophia Kazmi
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 08/17/2009 01:48:17 PM PDT
Updated: 08/17/2009 02:34:38 PM PDT


STOCKTON — A San Joaquin County grand jury has returned a five-count indictment against Melissa Huckaby, accused of kidnapping, raping and killing 8-year-old Sandra Cantu of Tracy.
The indictment was read in court this afternoon where Huckaby, who appeared with several fresh scratches on her forehead, appeared with her attorney.
Huckaby, 28, was indicted for murder with three enhancements: kidnapping, lewd and lascivious acts on a child and rape with a foreign object — all related to the death of Sandra Cantu.
The girl's body was found April 6 in a black suitcase in an irrigation pond near the Orchard Estates Mobile Home Park, where the Huckaby and Cantu families live.
Huckaby was also indicted on two counts of furnishing a harmful substance and one count of child endangerment. Those counts relate to the alleged drugging of a Hayward man and of another Tracy girl in the months before Sandra went missing. Those cases are unrelated to Sandra's death.
Deputy DA Thomas Testa said the cuts on Huckaby's forehead stemmed from an incident at San Joaquin County Jail this morning. He said he could not discuss it further.
The case is under a judicial gag order, and the grand jury transcripts are temporarily sealed. Huckaby did not enter a plea. She returns to court Sept. 10.
Testa said the District Attorney's office is treating the case as if it will be a death penalty case, but no decision is expected on that for one to two months. more at link: http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_13145344
 
Suspect Appears In Court With Cuts Above Right Eye
Sunday School Teacher Indicted In Death
POSTED: 2:43 pm PDT August 17, 2009
UPDATED: 2:48 pm PDT August 17, 2009
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Huckaby, 28, broke down in tears as Judge Linda Lofthus read the five-count indictment against her Monday, Sacramento's KCRA-TV reported.

Huckaby also appeared to have two cuts above her right eye, but it was not immediately clear how those injuries occurred.

Prosecutors convened a grand jury in late July rather than hold a preliminary hearing to determine whether Huckaby would stand trial. A trial date has not been set.

A prosecutor said a determination on whether to seek the death penalty will be made in the next 60 days or so.

Melissa Huckaby
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Video: Girl's Accused Killer Appearing In Court
http://www.kcra.com/video/20433509/index.html

Video: Some Calls Monitored In Cantu Case
http://www.kcra.com/video/20056369/index.html

Video: Church Involved In Cantu Case Vandalized
http://www.kcra.com/video/19562523/index.html

Video: Tracy Murder Suspect Cries In Court
http://www.kcra.com/video/19179565/index.html

Video: Tracy Murder Suspect Has Criminal Past
http://www.kcra.com/video/19169054/index.html

Article:
http://www.kcra.com/news/20435520/detail.html
 
Indictment against tearful Huckaby read in court today
Aug 17, 2009
<snipped>
Tracy murder suspect Melissa Huckaby was indicted today on charges that she kidnapped, raped and intentionally killed an 8-year-old girl and drugged two other people.

The 28-year-old appeared in court this afternoon with two bright red scratches on her right temple and some on her left arm, apparently from an incident at the jail this morning that San Joaquin County Superior Court Judge Linda Lofthus mentioned was an attempt by Huckaby to get out of her court appearance.

&#8220;Hopefully something like this doesn't happen again,&#8221; Lofthus said.

Though she's heard them before, Huckaby broke down in tears when she heard the charges read against her. She looked quizzically at her public defender when the judge read the charge of child abuse and endangerment against a 7-year-old Huckaby allegedly drugged in January.

The single mother and one-time Sunday school teacher did not enter a plea to the charges handed down today. Her attorney Sam Behar said he needs more time because he has yet to review the indictment filed on July 31. Prosecutor Thomas Testa, apparently annoyed that Behar had yet to read the indictment, said the case needs to move along because there are underage witnesses whose memory may fade.

Prosecutors convened a grand jury in July instead of holding a preliminary hearing to decide if there's enough evidence to take the case to trial.

A trial date has not been set, but could be within a few months, prosecutors said. Lofthus said she wants to give the defense enough time to review the lengthy transcripts from July's grand jury proceeding before both sides can agree to a trial date.

Because of the special circumstances of rape and kidnapping, Huckaby does qualify for the death penalty.

&#8220;Until otherwise indicated, your honor, this is a death penalty case,&#8221; Testa said to the judge.

Lofthus ordered Huckaby back in court on Sept. 10, when she's expected to enter a plea.

Article:
http://www.tracypress.com/pages/ful...+in+court+today&instance=home_news_lead_story
 
Huckaby Indicted In Kidnap, Rape, Murder Of Cantu
Aug 17, 2009 3:08 pm US/Pacific
<snipped>
A San Joaquin County grand jury has indicted a Sunday school teacher on charges she kidnapped, raped and killed an 8-year-old girl and drugged two other people.

Melissa Huckaby, 28, broke down in tears as Judge Linda Lofthus read the indictment against her Monday.

Prosecutors convened a grand jury in late July rather than hold a preliminary hearing to determine whether Huckaby would stand trial. Lofthus said the grand jury transcript would not be made public.

Defense attorney Sam Behar asked the judge to postpone setting a trial date because he said he did not have time to read the lengthy transcript. A hearing to set a date was scheduled for Sept. 10.

Huckaby is charged with murder with the special circumstances of rape, kidnapping and lewd or lascivious conduct with a child under 14, which could make her eligible for the death penalty if convicted.

SLIDESHOW: The Disappearance And Murder Of Sandra Cantu
http://cbs5.com/slideshows/Sandra.Cantu.body.20.978628.html

Article:
http://cbs5.com/crime/Grand.jury.indicts.2.1132484.html
 
Grand jury indicts Melissa Huckaby in killing of Sandra Cantu
Posted: 08/17/2009 04:07:55 PM PDT
<snipped>
The indictment, which will send the case to trial, was handed down July 31 but read in court for the first time Monday afternoon. Huckaby, in shackles and with several fresh scratches on her forehead, appeared with her attorney.

Huckaby, 28, was indicted on charges of murder with three special circumstances: kidnapping, lewd and lascivious acts on a child and rape with an instrument. The grand jury also added a charge of having sex with a child under 10 years old.

They also indicted the 28-year-old Tracy woman on one count of furnishing a harmful substance in the case of Daniel Plowman, of Hayward, and one count of furnishing a harmful substance and child abuse/endangerment in the case of another unnamed 7-year-old girl. Those counts are unrelated to Sandra's death.

Judge Linda Lofthus ordered that Huckaby remain at San Joaquin County without bail

Deputy district attorney Thomas Testa asked for a jury trial date to be set, but Huckaby's attorney Sam Behar said it was too early.

"We're not in any position to set a date," Behar said, adding that his client has not yet entered a plea.

Lofthus set the next court date for Sept. 10, giving Behar time to look at grand jury transcripts, which were described as voluminous. Lofthus also temporarily sealed the transcripts at Testa's request.

Testa told the judge Huckaby needed to be present at every hearing. He said he did not want Huckaby doing "something in the jail," he said. "Like she did this morning."

Lofthus said Huckaby will attend all her court appearances.

The case, for now, is being treated as a death penalty case, Testa said, but District Attorney James Willett will make a final decision in a month or two.

Huckaby was scheduled for a preliminary hearing in September, where a judge would have listened to testimony and decided if there was enough evidence for trial. Instead, the grand jury, which met in secret, heard that testimony.

Article:
http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_13146080
 
Sobbing Melissa Huckaby Indicted
Updated 4:15 PM PDT, Mon, Aug 17, 2009
<snipped>
Huckaby, 28, broke down in tears as Judge Linda Lofthus read the five-count indictment against her Monday.

Huckaby also appeared to have two cuts above her right eye, but it was not immediately clear how those injuries occurred.

Prosecutors convened a grand jury in late July rather than hold a preliminary hearing to determine whether Huckaby would stand trial. A trial date has not been set.

A prosecutor said a determination on whether to seek the death penalty will be made in the next 60 days or so.

You can read the indictment for yourself here:
http://www.stocktoncourt.org/courts/media_notice.htm

Article:
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local-beat/Sobbing-Melissa-Huckaby-Indicted-53500142.html
 
Indictment in Sandra Cantu killing
Monday, August 17, 2009
<snipped>
Huckaby wept and wiped at her eyes as Judge Linda Lofthus read the murder and rape charges.

The judge ordered Huckaby to return to court Sept. 10 after her attorney, Deputy Public Defender Sam Behar, said he had not had the chance to review the indictment.

Deputy District Attorney Thomas Testa asked the judge to set a trial date, saying he wanted to move the case along because children were involved and memories could fade. The judge said she agreed with the prosecutor but noted that Behar had to review the indictment first.

The prosecutor also said he wanted to ensure that Huckaby makes it to her court date next month.

Without elaborating, Testa referred to an incident in the San Joaquin County jail, saying at one point that he had been told Huckaby would not be in court this afternoon as a result of what happened. Behar and sheriff's officials declined to comment after the hearing.

Huckaby, who also lived at the mobile home park, was arrested April 10. After listening to two weeks of testimony, a grand jury charged her July 31 with murder and three special circumstances. Those allege that the killing was committed during a kidnapping, involved a lewd or lascivious act on a child, and involved rape with a foreign object.

Lofthus sealed the autopsy report on Sandra's body in April, citing the "heinous" nature of the crime and the need to ensure a fair trial for Huckaby. Today, the judge also sealed the grand jury transcripts.

Prosecutors will decide within the next two months whether to seek lethal injection, Testa said. Huckaby is being held without bail at San Joaquin County Jail in French Camp.

Article:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/08/17/BAJ3199KBD.DTL&tsp=1
 
UPDATED: Grand Jury Indicts Huckaby For Kidnapping, Rape, Murder
August 17, 2009
<snipped>
Huckaby is also charged with drugging another 8 year old girl in January and a Hayward man in two unrelated cases. During today's court hearing, a plea was delayed until Huckaby's public defender, Sam Behar, could examine the Grand Jury indictment and until he can have his own experts test several pieces of physical evidence.

Prosecutors say they sought the Grand Jury indictment because proceedings are held behind closed doors. The transcripts were sealed by a judge at today's hearing. Prosecutor Tom Testa says he wanted to avoid a change of venue in the nationally publicized case.

"We really don't want to go to Imperial County or some other county with all the expense involved. We want the case to be tried locally," said Testa.

Testa asked that a trial be set for thirty days after a plea is entered. Testa said several children will be called to testify. "With children, time passes differently.. So it's very important to move the case along. Their memories fade more quickly," said Testa.

But legal analyst and former prosecutor Steven Clark says that's unlikely. "Realistically in a potential death penalty case you would never, never go to trial in 30 days," he said.

Testa also asked Judge Linda Lofthus to insure that Huckaby appear at all court hearings. He referenced an incident this morning involving Huckaby, who had several scratches on her forehead and arm. He would not elaborate because a gag order has been imposed in the case. He did talk about another case involving a jailed murder defendant who three weeks earlier also tried to avoid a hearing.

"He threatened suicide, he banged his head against the walls and Judge Lofthus ordered him to court," said Testa.

Legal analyst Clark says such actions could give the defense more ammunition for a mental incapacity defense strategy. But he also said, "If it's perceived as game plying the court's not going to look kindly on that."

Huckaby is expected to return to court on September 10th to enter a plea and possibly be assigned a date for a trial.

Article:
http://www.fox40.com/news/headlines/ktxl-news-huckabyhearing,0,5512381.story
 
Huckaby Injuries Seen in Court Appearance
August 17, 2009
Updated: 1 hr ago
<snipped>
The woman charged with the kidnapping, rape and murder of a Tracy girl last March was indicted in San Joaquin County Superior Court Monday with what appeared to be injuries to her forehead.

Although a gag order prohibits court personnel from commenting on the case, prosecutor Thomas Testa implied in court the scratches were self-inflicted to help Huckaby avoid her court appearance.

"It's very frustrating. I hope it doesn't happen again. We need to move this case along," said Testa afterward. "We have a no- nonsense judge. When she says you're coming to court, Mr. or Ms. defendant, you're coming to court."

The murder indictment carries two special circumstances: lewd and lascivious acts on a child, and rape by instrument.

The harmful substance indictments stem from charges prosecutors filed in May alleging Huckaby tried to poison a 7-year-old girl and a 37-year-old man. The girl recovered. The man has not been found.

Huckaby began crying when the indictment was read.

The district attorney's office has not determined if it will seek the death penalty against Huckaby.

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Article:
http://www.news10.net/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=65310&provider=top
 
Huckaby Indicted On Charges Of Murdering Tracy Girl
Posted: 2:22 pm PDT August 17, 2009
Updated: 6:38 pm PDT August 17, 2009
<snipped>
Melissa Huckaby broke down in tears Monday as Superior Court Judge Linda Lofthus read the indictment against her. The reading came after prosecutors convened a grand jury last month to determine whether Huckaby would stand trial.

Lofthus said the grand jury transcript would remain sealed. No trial date has been set.

Defense attorney Sam Behar asked Lofthus to delay setting a trial date, saying he has not read the indictment or lengthy transcript because he's in the middle of another trial.

But Deputy District Attorney Thomas Testa said he delivered a copy of the indictment to Behar's office earlier this month. "He's had a lot of time to read this indictment," Testa told Lofthus.

The judge then proceeded to read the indictment charges to a weeping Huckaby, who appeared in court with two fresh scratches above her right eyebrow. Neither Behar nor Testa would comment on the nature of Huckaby's injuries after Monday's hearing. A gag order barring attorneys, investigators and potential witnesses from commenting on the case remains in effect.

On Monday, Huckaby entered the courtroom smiling, but her demeanor became tearful and somber as the indictment was read and debate on her next court appearance ensued.

Testa said the district attorney's office is treating the case as if it will be a death penalty case, but no decision is expected for at least two months.

Prosecutors convened a grand jury instead of holding a preliminary hearing in the case to ensure a speedy trial and avoid a possible change of venue. Testa also told Lofthus he wants a speedy trial because the case involves minors and should be made a priority.

Lofthus countered that it would be premature to set a trial within 30 days because Behar had not seen the indictment or the voluminous grand jury testimony.

"We need to do the case one time, and we need to have the case done right," the judge said. "The defense needs time to prepare."

Lofthus then scheduled a Sept. 10 hearing to discuss possible trial dates. Huckaby remains in the San Joaquin County Jail without bail.

Read The People Vs. Melissa Huckaby Indictment Yourself
http://www.ktvu.com/download/2009/0818/20438308.pdf

Video~HUCKABY TRIAL: Huckaby Pleads Not Guilty To Tracy Girl's Murder
http://www.ktvu.com/video/19740935/index.html

Video~HUCKABY TRIAL: New Charges Filed Against Huckaby
http://www.ktvu.com/video/19543783/index.html

Video~TRACY: Community, Mother Of Drugged Girl React To New Charges Against Huckaby
http://www.ktvu.com/video/19544086/index.html

Video~STOCKTON: Huckaby Set To Enter Plea For Murder Of Sandra Cantu, New Charges
http://www.ktvu.com/video/19540818/index.html

Video~SANDRA CANTU: Huckaby Delays Plea For Second Time
http://www.ktvu.com/video/19277029/index.html

Video~OAKLAND: Huckaby's Former Neighbors Suspicious Of Her After House Fires
http://www.ktvu.com/video/19265950/index.html

Video~TRACY: Huckaby Implicated In Prior Arson And Petty Theft Crimes
http://www.ktvu.com/video/19255694/index.html

Video~TRACY: Cantu's Suspected Killer May Have Drugged 7-Year-Old Girl In January
http://www.ktvu.com/video/19242367/index.html

PDF: Request For Second Autopsy Of Sandra Cantu's Body
http://www.ktvu.com/download/2009/0418/19214279.pdf

Video~SANDRA CANTU: Defense Asks For Second Autopsy On Cantu
http://www.ktvu.com/video/19213506/index.html

Video~TRACY: Small Town Celebrates The Life Of Sandra Cantu At Public Memorial
http://www.ktvu.com/video/19204700/index.html

REMEMBERING 'TRACY'S ANGEL': Video Tribute To Sandra Cantu Played At Thursday's Memorial Service
http://www.ktvu.com/video/19201556/index.html

Video~TRACY: Community Gathers At Memorial Service For Sandra Cantu
http://www.ktvu.com/video/19200102/index.html

Video~TRACY: Sandra Cantu Carried On Horse-Drawn Carriage And Laid To Rest
http://www.ktvu.com/video/19192442/index.html

PDF: Read Court Document Detailing Charges Against Melissa Huckaby
http://www.ktvu.com/download/2009/0418/19214162.pdf

Video~STOCKTON: Melissa Huckaby Makes Brief But Emotional Court Appearance
http://www.ktvu.com/video/19181258/index.html

Article:
http://www.ktvu.com/news/20435026/detail.html
 
Melissa Huckaby Indicted: Sandra Cantu Murder Indictment
Monday, August 17th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
<snipped>
A California grand jury has delivered a five count indictment of Melissa Huckaby; indicted for the kidnap, rape and murder of 8 year old Sandra Cantu. Back in April, Melissa Huckaby pled not guilty to killing the 8 year old who&#8217;s body had been found stuffed into a black suitcase and found in an irrigation pond near Huckaby&#8217;s home.

As well as the Sandra Cantu indictment, Melissa Huckaby was indicted for attempting to drug a 7 year old girl and a 37 year old man. Authorities say that the 7 year old recovered but are unaware of what happened to the man.

The indictment includes kidnapping, lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, and rape with a foreign object. Melissa Huckaby could face the death penalty if convicted of these heinous crimes. The Melissa Huckaby indictment includes new charges that surfaced in April.

An 18 year old woman said that her 7 year old sister disappeared with Huckaby and came back drugged. From ABC News:

&#8220;Her speech was slurred &#8230; like she had a really bad lisp,&#8221; the woman said of her sister. &#8220;And she would cry a lot like something was wrong with her. She couldn&#8217;t stand up without help. She couldn&#8217;t walk. Every time she tried to walk, she would fall.&#8221;

&#8220;So they took her to the hospital, and the hospital told us that she had muscle relaxants in her system,&#8221; the teenager said

The 18 year old alleges that Sandra Cantu may still be alive if authorities had taken her sister&#8217;s case more serious. Melissa Huckaby by all accounts was a decent individual, she lived with her grandparents and 5 year old; her grandfather was the pastor at a local church where Melissa Huckaby was a Sunday School teacher.

With Melissa Huckaby indicted, now comes another painful chapter to this story for the family; the trial. Perhaps this will help in the healing process for a family that has gone through something most of us can not even imagine. Melissa Huckaby&#8217;s trial date has not been set.

Learn more about the death penalty:
http://50164.smartbizsearch.com/xtr...=WwjPdrzkmg69eGUuiQ1RcoaQAL3FS6sFCx9qbpXkqA==

Raw footage: Melissa Huckaby arraignment April 14, 2009
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89PSY7vUZNM"]YouTube - Raw footage: Melissa Huckaby arraignment[/ame]

Article:
http://military.rightpundits.com/2009/08/17/melissa-huckaby-indicted-sandra-cantu-murder-indictment/
 
Former Topekan Indicted in Sandra Cantu Rape, Murder
A Sunday school teacher with ties to Topeka was indicted Monday; Melissa Huckaby charged with kidnapping, raping and killing an eight year old California girl.
Posted: 11:32 PM Aug 17, 2009
<snipped>
A San Joaquin County grand jury has indicted a Sunday school teacher on charges she kidnapped, raped and killed an 8-year-old girl and drugged two other people.

Melissa Huckaby broke down in tears Monday as Superior Court Judge Linda Lofthus read the indictment against her. The reading came after prosecutors convened a grand jury last month to determine whether Huckaby would stand trial.

Lofthus said the grand jury transcript would remain sealed. No trial date has been set.

Defense attorney Sam Behar asked Lofthus to delay setting a trial date, saying he has not read the indictment or lengthy transcript because he's in the middle of another trial.

But Deputy District Attorney Thomas Testa said he delivered a copy of the indictment to Behar's office earlier this month. "He's had a lot of time to read this indictment," Testa told Lofthus.

The judge then proceeded to read the indictment charges to a weeping Huckaby, who appeared in court with two fresh scratches above her right eyebrow. Neither Behar nor Testa would comment on the nature of Huckaby's injuries after Monday's hearing. A gag order barring attorneys, investigators and potential witnesses from commenting on the case remains in effect.

Huckaby in June pleaded not guilty to killing Sandra as well as to charges that she previously had drugged a 7-year-old girl and a 37-year-old man, whom police believe she had been dating. The girl and Huckaby lived in the same mobile park. She and her ex-husband used to live in the Topeka area.

Huckaby is charged with two counts of furnishing someone a harmful substance and one count of child endangerment in the drugging cases.

On Monday, Huckaby entered the courtroom smiling, but her demeanor became tearful and somber as the indictment was read and debate on her next court appearance ensued.

Testa said the district attorney's office is treating the case as if it will be a death penalty case, but no decision is expected for at least two months.

Prosecutors convened a grand jury instead of holding a preliminary hearing in the case to ensure a speedy trial and avoid a possible change of venue. Testa also told Lofthus he wants a speedy trial because the case involves minors and should be made a priority.

Lofthus countered that it would be premature to set a trial within 30 days because Behar had not seen the indictment or the voluminous grand jury testimony.

"We need to do the case one time, and we need to have the case done right," the judge said. "The defense needs time to prepare."

Lofthus then scheduled a Sept. 10 hearing to discuss possible trial dates. Huckaby remains in the San Joaquin County Jail without bail.

huckaby4.jpg


Article:
http://www.wibw.com/crime/headlines/53517357.html
 
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