Sunday School Teacher Makes Plea in Murder Case

It was the definition of anti-climax in Stockton today as a Sunday school teacher accused of kidnapping, raping and killing an eight-year-old Northern California girl pleaded not guilty to murder charges.
     
During a hearing that lasted all of ten minutes the lawyer for 28-year-old Melissa Huckaby entered the plea on her behalf.

Authorities say Huckaby killed Sandra Cantu, who was a playmate of Huckaby's daughter. The girl's body was later found stuffed in a suitcase in a nearby irrigation pond.

Friday's plea comes after increased pressure by prosecutors to have Huckaby enter a plea. Her lawyer, Sam Behar, has repeatedly requested more time to review evidence in the case.

If convicted, Huckaby could face the death penalty.

The judge scheduled her preliminary hearing to start Sept. 24.