Sunday school teacher gets life in prison for murder of Calif. girl found in suitcase

Sunday school teacher gets life term for CA murder

STOCKTON, Calif. — A Sunday school teacher who pleaded guilty to kidnapping and murdering a neighbor girl in Northern California made a tearful apology to the victim’s family Monday as she was sentenced to prison for the rest of her life.

A San Joaquin County judge sentenced Melissa Huckaby, 29, to a life term without parole, as part of a plea deal that took the death penalty off the table.

Huckaby entered her surprise plea last month to first-degree murder with a special circumstance of kidnapping in the death of 8-year-old Sandra Cantu of Tracy, whose body was found in a suitcase pulled from an irrigation pond.

All other charges, including allegations that Huckaby sexually abused the girl, were dropped at part of the deal with prosecutors.

Sandra Cantu was a playmate of the defendant’s daughter.

Huckaby apologized to Sandra’s family during the sentencing, particularly addressing the girl’s mother, Maria Chavez, but still offered no motive for the killing.

“She did not suffer, and I did not sexually molest her,” Huckaby said. “I’m asking you, Maria, for your forgiveness. I can’t imagine forgiving someone who harmed my daughter. I hope someday you can forgive me.”

Prosecutors played a video depicting Sandra’s short life during the hearing, bringing many in the courtroom including Huckaby to tears.

Authorities have released few details about the March 2009 killing.

San Joaquin County Judge Linda Lofthus lifted a gag order at the sentencing and was set to consider whether to unseal documents in the case.