Trial date for Sunday School teacher charged with killing Sandra Cantu could be set Friday

Trial date for Melissa Huckaby could be set Friday

STOCKTON, Calif. — A trial date could be set for a Northern California woman charged with kidnapping, raping and killing an 8-year-old Tracy girl whose body was found stuffed in a suitcase.

Melissa Huckaby is set to appear Friday in San Joaquin County Superior Court in Stockton. The 28-year-old former Sunday school teacher has pleaded not guilty to murdering Sandra Cantu, as well as to charges she drugged two other people.

San Joaquin County prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Huckaby, who was indicted in July following her arrest in April.

Prosecutors are urging for a speedy trial because they say younger witnesses who may testify could have a difficult time recalling specifics in the case.