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[Dallasdon]

One year later, search for answers in Sandra Cantu's killing continues

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The woman accused of killing Sandra, 29-year-old Melissa Huckaby, sits in jail awaiting a death-penalty trial.

Yet key pieces of the story - how Sandra died, what object was used in her alleged rape and a likely motive - remain tightly held secrets among a circle of investigators and attorneys.

The judge's decision to keep details bottled up - despite her stated reasons - may prove to be wrong, say observers who are critical of how the judge has handled Huckaby's high-profile case so far.

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http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100327/A_NEWS/3270322

 

[Angel Who Cares]

A year later — the pain remains in loss of 8-year-old Sandra Cantu
Posted: 03/26/2010 04:08:45 PM PDT
Updated: 03/26/2010 04:57:02 PM PDT
<snipped>
A year ago today a little girl from Tracy disappeared.

Much has happened since Sandra Cantu was last seen alive. A family still grieves. A police department learned valuable lessons. A community rediscovered its strength and generosity.

"It overwhelms the human mind that people can be so considerate, to take time out of their daily life to think about a little girl and her family," said Joe Chavez, Sandra's grandfather, recalling how hundreds braved the rain and the cold this month to attend a March 8 birthday celebration for Sandra, who would have been 9 that day.

Sandra was last seen alive March 27, 2009, a security camera tracking her as she skipped down the street at the Orchard Estates Mobile Home Park, where she lived.
*More at link!

Article:
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_14765849?source=rss&nclick_check=1

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Huckaby's lawyer wants hearing delay
Posted: 03/26/2010 04:19:47 PM PDT
Updated: 03/26/2010 04:19:47 PM PDT
<snipped>
Melissa Huckaby's attorney wants to delay an April suppression hearing, because he has yet to receive the results of a probe into alleged misconduct by a Tracy police detective, court papers say.

San Joaquin County Deputy Public Defender Sam Behar said in a motion filed Wednesday that for "strategic reasons" he also has not viewed physical evidence in the case, and he needs to obtain numerous items from the court's file.

In court Monday, Behar and San Joaquin County Deputy District Attorney Thomas Testa are to say if they are ready for the April 12 hearing on a motion Behar filed to suppress evidence collected against his client for reaching the trial.

Through his request for more time, Behar said he will ask San Joaquin County Superior Court Judge Linda Lofthus for a closed-door hearing to explain specifically why he needs the delay.

Among reasons for the delay, Behar said he has not received the results of an internal probe into Tracy police Detective Nate Cogburn.

Article:
http://www.contracostatimes.com/crime-courts/ci_14766044?nclick_check=1

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Huckaby Hearing Monday Morning
Saturday, 27 March 2010 1:19PM
<snipped>
The latest hearing in the Melissa Huckaby case is scheduled to get underway Monday morning in a Stockton courtroom. Court papers show Huckaby's attorney wants a delay in Monday's scheduled evidence hearing.

The lawyer says has he yet to receive the results of a investigation into alleged misconduct by a Tracy police detective.

Article:
http://www.kcbs.com/bayareanews/Huckaby-Hearing-Monday-Morning/6671777

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Sandra Cantu Disappeared 1 Year Ago
Saturday Marked 1-Year Anniversary Of Disappearance
POSTED: 6:19 pm PDT March 27, 2010
UPDATED: 6:31 pm PDT March 27, 2010
<snipped>
Saturday marked one year since the disappearance of Sandra Cantu.

A neighbor, 28-year-old Melissa Huckaby, is set to go on trial for the crime. She is due back in court on Monday.

Article:
http://www.kcra.com/news/22977454/detail.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Anniversary Of Sandra Cantu Disappearance
March 27, 2010
<snipped>
It was one year ago today when a happy, skipping Sandra Cantu was captured on surveillance video, just minutes before she disappeared from a Tracy mobile home park. Tracy detectives have arrested Melissa Huckaby in connection with Sandra's rape and murder, but it still could be awhile before the case makes it to trial.

"These kinds of cases are extraordinarily complicated, anytime you that have dna in a murder case - they take a long time. It's not tv it doesn't happen in an instant or an hour - there is a significant amount of testing that has to happen to make sure the prosecution is right about their case," says attorney Ken Rosenfeld.

The case against Huckaby has been complicated by alleged misconduct on the part of the Tracy Police Department. According to court documents filed in San Joaquin County earlier this month, Huckaby's attorney's allege Tracy officers said things they shouldn't have to the suspect right after she was arrested. Rosenfeld does not believe the claims are not enough to send the case off the legal rails.

Article:
http://www.fox40.com/news/headlines/ktxl-news-1yearsincecantudisapperance,0,3318823.story

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Sandra Cantu murder case: Defense to challenge evidence
3/29/10
<snipped>
Huckaby returned to San Joaquin County Superior Court Monday morning with a noticeable change in her appearance. Instead of long brown hair, seen in her earlier appearances, she now has short, dark wavy hair.

Judge Linda Lofthus has banned cameras from the courtroom.

The judge is expected to set a date to hear a defense motion "to suppress evidence" in the case.

Video: Sandra Cantu murder case: Defense to challenge evidence 2:06
http://www.news10.net/video/default.aspx?bctid=74440704001

Article:
http://www.news10.net/news/story.aspx?storyid=78274&catid=2

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Huckaby's attorney wants to delay evidence hearing
Updated at 09:37 AM today
<snipped>
Huckaby's attorney wants to delay an evidence suppression hearing scheduled for next month, because he has yet to receive the results of a probe into alleged misconduct by Tracy police.

He claims Tracy police said things they should not have to Huckabee that may have brought her constitutional right into question after she was arrested.

Article:
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/state&id=7356224

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Hearing again delayed in Melissa Huckaby case
Posted: 03/29/2010 11:04:08 AM PDT
Updated: 03/29/2010 11:36:01 AM PDT
<snipped>
A hearing to suppress evidence in the case against the woman accused of kidnapping, raping and killing 8-year-old Sandra Cantu has been postponed for the second time. Melissa Huckaby's public defender asked for more time Monday to prepare for the hearing, which was tentatively set to begin April 12.

San Joaquin County Superior Court Judge Linda Lofthus agreed. Parties will return to court May 10 to set a new date for the suppress evidence hearing. That hearing is expected to last about a week.

This is the second time Behar asked for additional time to prepare for the suppression hearing. The original hearing date was set for Feb. 16. In January, Behar had asked for more time because, according to court records, he had not reviewed all the evidence and wanted to get information about an internal investigation by Tracy Police about what a detective said while getting a statement from Huckaby. Her statement was then used to prepare for search warrants.

Prosecutor Thomas Testa did not object to the delay with the understanding that the change will not affect Huckaby's Oct. 18 trial date. Lofthus encouraged both sides to prepare to start trial that day.

Article:
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_14779091

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Delay in Huckaby hearing
March 29, 2010 12:24 PM
<snipped>
The attorney for Melissa Huckaby received a delay today for a hearing when he is expected to argue that pieces of evidence investigators collected against his client should be kept out of the death penalty trial.

San Joaquin County Superior Court Judge Linda Lofthus granted Behar&#8217;s request, setting Huckaby&#8217;s next hearing for May 10. That&#8217;s when attorneys and the judge will set a date for the suppression hearing.

Article:
http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100329/A_NEWS/100329854

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Huckaby's Hair, Weight Change In Jail
Sandra Cantu's Alleged Killer Makes Court Appearance
POSTED: 12:28 pm PDT March 29, 2010
UPDATED: 12:47 pm PDT March 29, 2010
<snipped>
At Monday's hearing, Huckaby's hair was short, black and in ringlets, a dramatic departure from the long hairstyle she had when first taken into custody. She also appears to have gained 50 pounds or more during the year she's spent behind bars.

Huckaby appeared with her attorney, public defender Sam Behar, after he filed a motion last week to delay an April hearing on suppressing evidence in the case.

Behar requested the delay because, he wrote, he hasn't seen physical evidence in the case. The reason is secret and was told to the judge privately.

Judge Linda Lofthus granted the motion for a delay. Both the defense and prosecutor said that in spite of delays, the trial should begin Oct. 18 as scheduled, and so far, there's been no motion to move the trial out of San Joaquin County.

Video: Huckaby's Appearance Noticeably Different 2:34
Melissa Huckaby's appearance has changed dramatically in the year she's spent behind bars.
http://www.kcra.com/video/22990370/index.html

Article:
http://www.kcra.com/news/22990397/detail.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Huckaby Pleads Guilty In Cantu Slaying
POSTED: 8:37 am PDT May 10, 2010
UPDATED: 9:06 am PDT May 10, 2010
<snipped>
A former Sunday school teacher pleaded guilty Monday to at least one charge in connection with the killing of 8-year-old Tracy resident Sandra Cantu. Melissa Huckaby appeared in a Stockton courtroom.

The San Joaquin County district attorney is seeking the death penalty against Huckaby, who is charged with kidnapping, raping and killing Cantu.

Article:
http://www.kcra.com/news/23506451/detail.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Huckaby Pleads Guilty To Cantu Kidnap, Murder
May 10, 2010 9:06 am US/Pacific
<snipped>
Melissa Huckaby entered the surprise plea in a Stockton courtroom this morning. She faces life in prison. Huckaby had faced lewd and lascivious conduct with a child under 14 and poisoning charges but both have been dropped.

Article:
http://cbs13.com/breakingnews/Melissa.Huckaby.guilty.2.1685129.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Huckaby pleads guilty for Cantu murder
May 10, 2010 8:58 AM
<snipped>
Melissa Huckaby admitted guilt today to the murder, rape and kidnapping last year of 8-year-old Sandra Cantu in a crime that shocked Tracy and captured national attention.

The surprise development spares Huckaby, 29, of the possible death sentence, which prosecutors intended to seek in trail. Under the negotiated plea deal announced in a Stockton courtroom, Huckaby will spend the rest of her natural life in state prison.

Huckaby pleaded guilty to murder with the special circumstance of kidnapping. All other charges against her were dropped.

San Joaquin County Superior Court Judge Linda Lofthus set Huckaby's formal sentencing date for June 14.

Article:
http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100510/A_NEWS/100519995

 

[Angel Who Cares]

UPDATED: Huckaby avoids death penalty with guilty plea
Last updated 30 mins ago
<snipped>
In a sudden reversal, Melissa Huckaby admitted kidnapping and murdering 8-year-old Sandra Cantu of Tracy in a plea deal that will spare Huckaby's life. During what was expected to be a routine procedural court hearing in San Joaquin County Superior Court, Huckaby's attorneys announced their client was prepared to enter a plea of guilty to the charge of first degree murder with special circumstances of kidnapping. Under the agreement, Huckay will go to prison for life without the possibility of parole. The death penalty is no longer an option. Under the deal, other charges against Huckaby have been dismissed, including rape with an instrument. Formal sentencing has been set for June 14.

During Monday's hearing, Deputy District Attorney Thomas Testa expressed concern that Huckaby might use her mental instability and medication as an excuse to later change her plea. Testa urged Judge Linda Lofthus to question Huckaby in detail about her current mental state in addition to asking Huckaby if she understood the consequences of her guilty plea. "Are you having any problems today?" Lofthus asked Huckaby. "No I'm not," Huckaby replied. Lofthus: "Do you feel OK?" Huckaby: "I'm currently stable on my medication."

Testa suggested Lofthus lift the gag order that has presented all parties from talking about the case. Lofthus declined to do so immediately, but suggested she might issue a written order later in the day.

Article:
http://www.news10.net/news/story.aspx?storyid=81150&catid=2

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Melissa Huckaby pleads guilty to killing Sandra Cantu in Tracy case
Posted: 05/10/2010 09:03:06 AM PDT
Updated: 05/10/2010 09:32:09 AM PDT
<snipped>
Melissa Huckaby pleaded guilty today to killing 8-year-old Sandra Cantu.

Huckaby pleaded guilty to murder with a special circumstance of kidnapping. All other charges against her in the case were dropped.

Article:
http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_15054621

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Sunday School Teacher Pleads Guilty To Killing Tracy Girl
Posted: 9:27 am PDT May 10, 2010
Updated: 9:37 am PDT May 10, 2010
<snipped>
Former Sunday school teacher Melissa Huckaby pleaded guilty Monday to the first-degree murder of a neighbor&#8217;s 8-year-old daughter, authorities said.

San Joaquin County Superior Court officials said Huckaby entered the surprise plea in a hearing Monday morning.

Assistant Court Executive Officer Sharon Morris said Huckaby faces a sentence of 25 years to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Huckaby was scheduled for sentencing June 14.

Article:
http://www.ktvu.com/news/23507119/detail.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Calif Woman Guilty in Death of Daughter's Playmate
California woman pleads guilty in death of 8-year-old girl whose body was found in suitcase
May 10, 2010
<snipped>
A former California Sunday school teacher accused of killing an 8-year-old playmate of her daughter, then hiding the body in a suitcase, has pleaded guilty to murder.

San Joaquin County Superior Court officials say Melissa Huckaby of Tracy entered the first-degree murder plea Monday morning.

Assistant Court Executive Officer Sharon Morris says Huckaby faces a sentence of 25 years to life in prison without the possibility of parole when she is sentenced June 14.

Article:
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=10605166

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Update: Huckaby pleads guilty, avoids death penalty
May 10, 2010
<snipped>
Melissa Huckaby pleaded guilty this morning to the murder and kidnapping of 8-year-old Tracy girl Sandra Cantu and will be sentenced to life in prison in June. Huckaby&#8217;s public defender, Samuel Behar, said he and prosecutor Thomas Testa negotiated for the life sentence without the possibility of parole. Previously, Testa had been pursuing the death penalty for Huckaby, 29. The other charges against her, including rape with a foreign object and poisoning, were dropped. Huckaby will be sentenced at 8:30 a.m. on June 14 in Stockton.

San Joaquin County Superior Court Judge Linda Lofthus asked Huckaby if she&#8217;s had time to talk with her attorneys and if she really planned to plead guilty, giving up the right to a jury trial, to which she answered yes. After Lofthus finished most of her questioning of Huckaby, Testa wanted the judge to make sure Huckaby was in the right state of mind to make the plea. He noted that her behavior in prison, such as trying to hurt herself at one point, was odd. &#8220;She appears extremely coherent today, but I just worry down the road,&#8221; Testa said, worrying that Huckaby might change her plea. She asked if there has been a change in her medication recently, something Huckaby declined. &#8220;No, I am currently stable on medication, thank you,&#8221; Huckaby said. After the questioning, Lofthus said she accepted Huckaby&#8217;s plea.

Her attorneys and Testa spoke with members of the Huckaby and Cantu families before coming up with the June 14 date for sentencing.

While Lofthus said she&#8217;d allow one camera at the sentencing, she said the gag order, preventing anyone related to the case from speaking to the media, is still in effect. Testa brought up the notion of lifting it and Behar and Huckaby&#8217;s attorney, Michael Burt, said they had no objection. Lofthus said she worried that things were moving too quickly and wanted some time to think about the gag order.

As they left the courtroom, a few members of Sandra's family, the Chavez's were crying. Testa hugged a family member as he walked away. The Chavez family was surrounded by cameras as they walked out of the courthouse and into the parking lot. "They'll never get over this, but at least they don't have to wait any longer," said Lisa Encarnacion, who at one time was close to the Chavez family.

Article:
http://www.tracypress.com/pages/ful...eads+guilty-+avoids+death+penalty &id=7380394

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Surprise guilty plea in Sandra Cantu murder
Monday, May 10, 2010
<snipped>
Melissa Huckaby, 29, entered her plea in San Joaquin County Superior Court to murder with an enhancement for kidnapping, said Sharon Morris, assistant court executive officer. Huckaby faces 25 years to life in prison without the possibility of parole when she is sentenced June 14 by Judge Linda Lofthus.

In exchange for her plea, prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty and dropped other charges, including child endangerment and furnishing a harmful substance for allegedly drugging a 7-year-old girl and a man in the months before Sandra died.

Attorneys in the case could not immediately comment today because of gag order.

Article:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/05/10/BAH01DC7P9.DTL