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San Joaquin seeking death in Sandra Cantu case
Thursday, September 10, 2009
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(09-10) 14:05 PDT STOCKTON -- San Joaquin County prosecutors will ask for the death penalty for the Sunday school teacher accused of raping and murdering an 8-year-old playmate of her daughter in Tracy, authorities said today.
Melissa Huckaby, 28, was indicted in July on a murder charge and three special circumstances in the death of Sandra Cantu - including that she killed during the commission of a rape - that make her eligible for execution if convicted. Huckaby was also accused of sexually assaulting a child under 10.
The decision to seek lethal execution was made by District Attorney James Willett, who consulted with attorneys in his office as well as Sandra's family, authorities said.
Huckaby pleaded not guilty at a hearing today in San Joaquin County Superior Court in Stockton. Judge Linda Lofthus revealed that the defense had hired a change-of-venue expert from Chico State University, suggesting that Huckaby wants to move her trial elsewhere.
Huckaby also sought to remove her lawyer, Deputy Public Defender Sam Behar, from the case, but Lofthus denied the motion. The reason for Huckaby's request was not explained, and a gag order prevents lawyers from talking about the case outside court.
Huckaby will return to court Sept. 25, at which time the judge could set a trial date, possibly in March.
Article:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/10/BA8S19L7AA.DTL&tsp=1
Thursday, September 10, 2009
<snipped>
(09-10) 14:05 PDT STOCKTON -- San Joaquin County prosecutors will ask for the death penalty for the Sunday school teacher accused of raping and murdering an 8-year-old playmate of her daughter in Tracy, authorities said today.
Melissa Huckaby, 28, was indicted in July on a murder charge and three special circumstances in the death of Sandra Cantu - including that she killed during the commission of a rape - that make her eligible for execution if convicted. Huckaby was also accused of sexually assaulting a child under 10.
The decision to seek lethal execution was made by District Attorney James Willett, who consulted with attorneys in his office as well as Sandra's family, authorities said.
Huckaby pleaded not guilty at a hearing today in San Joaquin County Superior Court in Stockton. Judge Linda Lofthus revealed that the defense had hired a change-of-venue expert from Chico State University, suggesting that Huckaby wants to move her trial elsewhere.
Huckaby also sought to remove her lawyer, Deputy Public Defender Sam Behar, from the case, but Lofthus denied the motion. The reason for Huckaby's request was not explained, and a gag order prevents lawyers from talking about the case outside court.
Huckaby will return to court Sept. 25, at which time the judge could set a trial date, possibly in March.
Article:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/09/10/BA8S19L7AA.DTL&tsp=1