Tag Archive for: Maria Chavez

Melissa Huckaby sentenced to life in prison

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CNN Video: Melissa Huckaby Gets Life Sentence

Today former Sunday school teacher, Melissa Huckaby, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder and kidnapping of little Sandra Cantu, 8, of Tracy, California. Sandra Cantu was found in a suitcase and dumped in a drainage ditch on April 7, 2009. Huckaby escaped the death penalty by pleading guilty to the murder of Sandra on May 10th.

At her sentencing, Melissa Huckaby gave an emotional apology to the Cantu family, her own family, and her little girl, who was a playmate of Sandra’s. Huckaby saying that she loved little Sandra, who was a sweet, loving little child.

Huckaby admitted to killing Sandra, and she assured Sandra’s family that she didn’t suffer. However, in spite of charges claiming Sandra was sexually molested, Huckaby denied molesting the child. Huckaby said that Sandra did not deserve having her life cut short, and she admitted that she alone was responsible for Sandra’s death.

Huckaby said that saying sorry is not enough, but that is all she can do, and she says she will live with the guilt of what she had done for the rest of her life.

Eyes for Lies never got to see Melissa Huckaby speak before she was arrested, but did comment on Sandra Cantu’s mother, Maria Chavez, here.

Melissa Huckaby Pleads Guilty

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I just saw this news from Jane Velez-Mitchell on Twitter. CNN is reporting that Melissa Huckaby plead guilty to killing 8-year old Sandra Cantu today. You can read more here.

The only person I gave any conclusive opinions on in this case was the mother of Sandra Cantu, Maria Chavez. Several people speculated she was faking her sadness, and wondered if she was involved in her daughter’s murder. Melissa Huckaby’s grandfather’s behavior was odd when I watched him, but his behaviors were not conclusive for me. I still wonder if he knew at that time what was going on before we did. We never got to see Melissa Huckaby talk before (or after?) her arrest.

It will be interesting to hear if we get more information on this case. It’s an odd story, to say the least.

Looking for Footage of Pastor Lane Lawless

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If anyone sees Pastor Lane Lawless of the Clover Road Baptist Church in Tracy, California, speak out about being interviewed by the police and FBI, please let me know. I’ve seen very brief snippets, but they don’t yield anything as they are too short.

Thanks.

Sandra Cantu and Her Mom Maria Chavez

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Police discovered the body of 8-year old missing Sandra Cantu in a suitcase yesterday, apparently thrown into an irrigation ditch, only two miles away from the trailer park where she lived. Police are on a manhunt this morning trying to find the killer(s).

Many of you have requested that I review Sandra Cantu’s mother, Maria Chavez, to see if there are any indications if she is faking her sadness. Several of you have written me privately that you are suspicious.

Read moreWhen I watch Chavez, I do not see any indications or areas of concern when I watch her speak here. I believe Chavez is truly grieving, upset and sincerely worried about her daughter.

When I watch Maria, I see heavy eyelids, and short smiles that instantly fade after a happy recollection. I see her mouth tense as she feels the tears coming on, which would be very difficult to fake. She has a true and genuine expression of sadness on her face. Also, the way that she recollects elements about her daughter seems very natural to me.

My heart goes out to Maria Chavez in these difficult days.