The prosecutor in the murder case against Sunday school teacher Melissa Huckaby wants a plea to be entered when Huckaby returns to court this week.
Huckaby is due back in San Joaquin County Superior Court Friday after being charged with the murder, rape and kidnapping of 8-year-old Sandra Cantu of Tracy.
When Huckaby returns to court, it will be her fourth appearance since she was arrested in early April.
Deputy District Attorney Thomas Testa wants to speed the case up so he filed a request with the court Tuesday, asking the judge to enter a plea of not guilty for Huckaby if she refuses.
Huckaby is charged with kidnapping, rape, murder and lewd and lacivious acts on a child stemming from Sandra's death in the case that grabbed national headlines.
If she is convicted of the charges, 28-year-old Huckaby could face the death penalty.
