By Bill Lindelof
blindelof@sacbee.com
The woman accused of killing little Sandra Cantu of Tracy has pleaded guilty today to murder and kidnapping.
Melissa Chantel Huckaby pleaded guilty in the packed San Joaquin County Superior courtroom of Judge Linda Lofthus to killing the 8-year-old in April 2009.
Huckaby's plea allows her to avoid the death penalty. She will be sentenced June 14 to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Prosecutors had come to court expecting to set hearings. However, Huckaby, a former Sunday school teacher, chose instead to plead guilty to the two most serious charges facing her in the murder of the Tracy girl last March.
Huckaby avoids a jury trial, and several counts were dismissed against her, including a poisoning charge and lewd act on a minor.
Cantu disappeared last year from her mobile home park after leaving her home to play. After a search, the girl's body was found inside a suitcase in a irrigation ditch several miles from her home.
Call The Bee's Bill Lindelof, (916) 321-1079.
Previous coverage:
Cantu slaying defendant charged with drugging others - May 23, 2009
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