Sunday School Teacher Accused of Murder of Girl

In an unusual case in northern California, a female Sunday school teacher has been accused of murder.

Sandra Cantu, 8, disappeared March 27 from a church that the accused's grandfather is the lead pastor. Her body was found not far from the church on April 6. Sandra's remains were found in a suitcase. The accused, Melissa Huckaby, 28, was arrested Friday in San Joaquin county on suspicion of kidnapping and murdering little Sandra. What makes this even more unusual is that Ms. Huckaby may face additonal charges of rape and molestation.

And in the community of Tracy, the news sent shockwaves. Ms. Huckaby was not only a teacher at the church, but a mother of a five-year-old child, and a friend of the Cantu family.

Sure, women can be molesters and even rapists- recent news reports confirm this. But the majority of us- myself included- still believe that men are the typical perpetrators. This is further evidence that there is no longer a such thing as a "typical"- be it murderer; kidnapper; or even rapist. In towns, large and small, neighbors become suspicious. Close friendships can be broken over the slightest accusation of wrongdoing- even if such is later unfounded. Little Sandra's murder has raised the suspicion level that much higher, and the Huckaby family is no doubt under a searing magnifying glass. All because the woman who is a mother and a daughter may have killed a family friend.

I've provided a link to the news story from KOVR CBS 13. Just click on the title.

(C) 2009 by Darren W. Alexander. All Rights Reserved.