Missing and Murdered Children

Original Post: April 6, 2009Last Updated: August 17, 2009View Sources

Sandra Cantu, age 8 years, disappeared from her Tracy, California home at the Orchard Mobile Home Estates where she lived with her mother, grandparents, and other siblings including an older brother. According to her mother, Sandra went outside to play at about 3p.m. on Friday March 27. A neighbor said Sarah told her daughter she had to go back home to do her homework and that was approximately 4p.m. Sandra’s mother called police to report her daughter’s disappearance at 8p.m.

Video was released this past weekend showing a skipping and seemingly carefree Sandra going by what is believed to be the home of her grandparents. Her grandfather had recently installed the surveillance equipment because two weeks before Sandra’s disappearance his truck was vandalized.

Police have been pretty diligent in their search for the eight-year-old. They have brought at least three men in for questioning who live in the mobile home park and have impounded at least four vehicles. Sandra’s father has been given a polygraph exam.

Some things do not add up. Why did it take almost four hours for Sandra to be reported missing? Certainly she must have missed dinner. Her mother has been pretty much camera-shy, and Sandra’s aunt has been the spokesperson for the family.

Today, a discovery was made in an irrigation pond approximately two miles from Sandra’s home, which prompted a call to police. Farm workers draining the pond to irrigate the fields noticed a black container floating to the surface as the water level receded. Someone pulled the container over to the embankment. According to a spokesperson for the FBI the container has not been opened; however, the county pathologist has been called to the scene. The spokesperson said Crime Scene Investigators are taking pictures of the surrounding area and making note of footprints, tire tracks and anything else that might look suspicious. The container will be taken to an undisclosed location later this afternoon and opened there. When asked by a reporter at the news conference why it is necessary to take such precautions if in fact the container does not hold human remains the response was in it important to preserve the scene in case they later discover human remains when the container is opened.

For what it’s worth I believe they know Sandra is in that container or perhaps evidence pertaining to Sandra. The reason I believe that is because of human nature. It is human nature to immediately open something up when you find it floating. I am reminded of the Baby Grace case. The fisherman who found that container floating up to shore immediately opened it up. He then called police when he realized there was a body inside.

Of course, time will tell in this case whether the remains of Sandra Cantu are inside the large black container that some news organizations have referred to as a suitcase.

On another note, just prior to discussing the discovery of the container, he read a written statement from the family. Contained in that written statement was information indicating that Sandra’s aunt is the official spokesperson for the family, that monies donated should only go to the Carole Sunde Foundation or the Crime Stoppers of the Tracy Police Department. The addresses were given for each and a mention was made to make sure to put the name Sandra Cantu in the memo section of the check. Also, cash can be dropped off at the Tracy Police Department. Sandra’s family will no longer participate in the nightly Prayer Vigils because it is just too painful for them. The FBI spokesperson made a point of stating this written statement from the family and their decisions has nothing to do with today’s discovery of the container.

Updates 

April 6, 2009: 9p.m.

During an 8:30p.m. news conference held tonight the a spokesperson for the Tracy Police Department announced the recovery of Sandra Cantu’s body. The large container located this afternoon did in fact contain the remains of Sandra Cantu. Police are now identifying the container as a suitcase.

At this point authorities are not commenting on possible suspects or ties to the suitcase with persons already questioned. An autopsy will be conducted tomorrow. Sandra’s family was notified of the find just prior to the news conference and they are in seclusion.

This case chills me to the bone. I am having the same reaction as when Christopher Barrios went missing from the mobile home park in Georgia. Three neighbors are awaiting trial for his murder. I would imagine the person or persons responsible for Sandra’s death will be someone she knew, just as her mother mentioned in one of her interviews.

April 7, 2009: 4p.m.

Police say they are close to solving the case of who murdered Sandra Cantu and are closing in on the suspect. Last night they served a search warrant on another home inside the mobile home park where Sandra lived.

Today, the Clover Road Baptist Church located a short distance from the mobile home park has been labeled a crime scene. The church has been roped off with crime scene tape and police say they are searching for evidence there connected to the home they searched last night. The pastor of the church, Lane Lawless, and his wife, Connie, have also been questioned. According to Connie Lawless:

“We are open to whatever they want to ask,” said Connie Lawless, who also said Sandra used to come by and play with their great granddaughter….Lane Lawless told a Sacramento news station, News 10, he had nothing to do with the girl’s disappearance. ¹

According to one report, Sandra’s mother, Maria Chavez, passed out when she was given the news about her daughter. She was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital.

I can’t imagine how it would feel to have lived in that mobile home park and considered most in the park friends. Sandra was allowed to visit both children and adults inside the park. Some adults referred to Sandra as her friend or she their friend. Now, all are looking at one another knowing that at least one of the neighbors is a hardhearted child killer.

April 7, 2009: 4:30p.m.

People are gathering in front of the mobile home park and placing objects at the growing memorial for Sandra Cantu.

During this afternoon’s news conference police confirmed the autopsy was completed on Sandra’s body this morning. However, they are not releasing the cause of death until toxicology reports and tissue sample tests are completed; those results could take from 4 to 6 weeks. Also during the news conference police stated they have received many phone calls from community members wanting to send condolences to the family. The police spokesperson stated any cards or letters for the Cantu family should be sent to the Tracy Police Department and they will make sure the family receives the mail. For those wishing to donate cash the spokesperson said to contact the Sund-Carrington Foundation in Modesto, California.

April 10, 2009: 2 a.m.

The items placed at the makeshift memorial site in front of the mobile home park have been removed at the request of the family. They were concerned the items would be damaged from the expected rain. The family plans to donate the items to various childrens’ charities.

Police confiscated a letter that was left at the memorial site. It was addressed as follows:

‘From Sandra, To My Killer’, and on the inside it read, ‘You’ve taken my life away from me, but I forgive you. And God will judge you at some point.’²

Investigators do not know if the letter has any bearing on the case but they will attempt to investigate the origin.

Police continue to aggressively pursue Sandra’s killer or killers.

April 11, 2009: 5 p.m.

I am really impressed with the Tracy, California Police Department and how quickly they were able to arrest someone for the murder of Sandra Cantu. During the morning news conference Sgt. Sheneman told reporters that Melissa Huckaby, 28, came into the police station late Friday afternoon at their request. She began a discussion with detectives. At first she was cool and calm, but then became emotional. After five hours Melissa finally admitted to the kidnapping and murder. She was taken into custody and booked on kidnapping and murder charges.

Police did not elaborate on a motive and said it will be up to the district attorney and the courts to determine whether Sandra’s death was an accident or pre-meditated murder. During the news conference Shenman did say they are pretty sure they know where the murder occurred. Another investigator stated that by the time Sandra was reported missing, at 8 p.m., the murder had already occurred.

Police notified Sandra’s parents of the arrest at approximately 2:15 a.m.

Melissa Huckaby is the mother of a five-year-old girl – one of Sandra’s best friends. Huckby lives in the mobile home park with her grandfather, Pastor Lawless and she taught Sunday school at her grandfather’s church. Huckaby had told police on the day of Sandra’s disappearance that Sandra had come to her home to play with her daughter but she had told Sandra the girl could not play so she allegedly sent Sandra away. Huckaby had also mentioned in the media that the same day that Sandra disappeared someone stole a suitcase from her driveway. It was her inconsistent comments in the press that caused authorities to take another look at Huckaby. She is set to be arraigned on Tuesday. Huckaby is turning away visitors. She is housed away from the other prisoners and is said to be on suicide watch.

April 13, 2009: 3:45 p.m.

According to San Joaquin County Deputy District Attorney Robert Himmelblau during an interview with the Associated Press, he stated that murder charges filed against Melissa Huckaby could include special circumstances of rape with a foreign object, lewd and lascivious conduct with a child and murder in the course of a kidnapping. The special circumstances charges would make Huckaby death penalty eligible. If the death penalty is not sought a conviction on any of the special circumstances charges would mean a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

April 14, 2009: 4:45 p.m.

Melissa Huckaby was led into the San Joaquin County Courthouse this afternoon in shackles to face murder charges. As the charges were read in open court Melissa Huckaby silently wept. I did notice in the video that she wept considerably more when the charge of rape with a foreign object was read aloud.

The complete list of charges are as follows:

1. One count of murder

Special circumstances

1. Rape with a foreign object
2. Lewd or lascivious conduct with a child under 14
3. Murder in the course of a kidnapping

The murder charge with special circumstances makes this a Death Penalty eligible case.

Huckaby did not enter a plea today. She was assigned a public defender. Huckaby is scheduled for further arraignment on April 24.

I will be blogging about the remainder of this case on my other blog, The End of the Story

April 15, 2009: 5 p.m.

Los Angeles news station CBS reported this afternoon that Melissa Huckaby’s hospitalization the week prior to her arrest was for internal bleeding as she had previously stated to reporters. However, the reason for the internal bleeding was not as her grandmother stated – bleeding ulcers. Apparently Melissa Huckaby swallowed three X-ACTO knife blades in an attempt to commit suicide. It is not clear if she took herself to the hospital for treatment.

Police believe Huckaby could have other victims and are asking those children to come forward.

Any parent who suspects their children may have had “inappropriate contact” with Huckaby are being asked to contact authorities, Sgt. Tony Sheneman said. ³

April 15, 2009: 6:00 p.m.

Sandra Cantu’s parents laid their daughter to rest in a private ceremony at Fry Memorial Chapel. After the service her casket was loaded onto a horse-drawn carriage and taken to Tracy Mausoleum.

April 16, 2009

The public memorial service held today at Merrill F. West High School was attended by thousands of people paying respects to Sandra Cantu. Many did not personally know Sandra Cantu or her family, but they said they could relate to the little girl and her family.

I was surprised to read that Senator Barbara Boxer and State Attorney General Jerry Brown not only attended the memorial service, but also spoke during the service. Other speakers included Tracy’s police chief and Sandra’s aunt.

Donations in Sandra’s memory may be sent to:

Carole Sund/ Carrington Memorial Reward Foundation
301 Downey Ave.
Modesto, CA 95354

August 17, 2009: 3 p.m. PST

San Joaquin grand jury indicted Melissa Huckaby on all charges against her regarding the death of Sandra Cantu and the drugging of an unnamed adult male and another child earlier this year. Huckaby appeared in court today with her attorney to hear the charges against her. According to reporters Huckaby seemed relaxed and was even smiling until the judge read the charges. At that point Huckaby began to cry. It was also observed by some reporters that Huckaby appeared to have scratches on her face and arms.

Sources 

Sandra Cantu’s Body Found in Luggage, KCRA.com, April 6, 2009.

Mike Martinez and Eric Louie, Staff Writers and Aaron Swartz, Correspondent, San Joaquin Herald, Pastor of Tracy Church Being Searched Says He Lived Near Slain Girl, The Mercury News, April 7, 2009.

Search for Tracy Girl’s Killer Intensifies (12:22p.m.), The Record.net, April 7, 2009.

Sarah Netter, Sandra Cantu Found in a Suitcase; Police Closing in on Suspect, ABC News, April 7, 2009.

Sunday School Teacher Arrested in Cantu’s Death, KCRA – Sacramento, April 11, 2009.

Associated Press, Report: Prosecutors Considering Rape, Molestation Charges in Sandra Cantu Case, Mercury News.com, April 13, 2009.

Tracy Murder Suspect Weeps in Court, KRCA.com, April 14, 2009.

Public Memorial for Cantu, KCBS, April 16, 2009.

1. MercuryNews.com [↩]
2. KCRA.com [↩]
3. KCRA.com [↩]

Original Post: July 18, 2009Last Updated: July 19, 2009View Sources

According to Jennifer’s mother, Minorva Murillo, she was doing laundry in the laundry room of a mobile home park near Ironwood Drive and Apache Trail while her children played outside nearby. It was approximately 11:30 p.m. Friday night. She heard Jennifer cry out and she ran outside to check on her. Jennifer was not with the other children, when asked where she was, the children said they did not know. Police were called and they searched door-to-door within the confines of the mobile home park. Pinal County Sheriff’s came to aide in the search. Bloodhounds have been used to search the area for Jennifer without results.

According to Police Chief Jerald Monahan:

“This young person has been missing for a long time now.”…”She was in an open area. Foul play hasn’t been ruled out.”¹

Pictured to the left is the area where the children were playing at the time of Jennifer’s disappearance. Although, admittedly, not a very great place for children to be playing at 11:30 p.m. there are not too many places she could be hiding. I can’t imagine someone coming along and snatching her without at least one of the other children seeing it happen. I keep looking at that picture and I wonder if she is trapped behind or underneath that dumpster on the left. Surely searchers must have looked there. I suppose someone could have snatched Jennifer and took her somewhere without the kids seeing the abduction. The other alternative is the mother is lying about what happened to her daughter. However, I am sure police have verified that Jennifer was in fact outside playing with them at some point last night.

Victim: Jennifer Murillo Perez

Jennifer is a 2 1/2-year-old Hispanic female with brown hair and brown eyes. She is 2’5″ tall and weighs approximately 30lbs. Jennifer was last seen on Friday July 17, 2009 at 11:30 p.m. in the vicinity of the laundry room of a mobile home park near Ironwood Drive and Apache Trail. When last seen Jennifer was wearing a blue dress and pink sandals.²

Anyone with information about Jennifer’s disappearance is asked to call the Apache Junction Criminal Investigation Department at 480-982-8260.

Updates

July 19, 2009: 10:30 p.m. PST

There is more information regarding the alleged kidnapping and molestation suspect and how he was located. Jennifer’s mother went to the laundry room at about 10:30 p.m. Friday to put clothes in the washer and dryer. At that time she noticed a man hanging around the laundry room area talking on a cell phone. When Jennifer’s mother returned to the laundry room at 11:30 p.m. she no longer saw the man in the area. Holtz was at the mobile home park attending a party that night. He was asked to leave and that is when Jennifer’s mother saw him hanging around the laundry room. During the course of the investigation police suspected Holtz was the male spotted in the area. When shown a photograph of Holtz, Jennifer’s mother identified him as the male hanging around the laundry room. Police went to Holtz’ home located a mile away from the mobile home park and they located Jennifer in a back bedroom. Police say Holtz has given them no good or plausible reason for his actions. They have had contact with him in the past but not for such a serious offense. Holtz has been charged with kidnapping, molestation and child endangerment. There is no information about his arraignment. He is being held without bond in Pinal County Jail.³

July 19, 2009: 4:30 p.m. PST

Police announced today that the suspect, Alec Holtz, molested Jennifer while she was missing. She was taken to the hospital to be examined after she was located. I am guessing the examination revealed evidence of molestation. I doubt the suspect confessed to the molestation. I wonder if he drugged her. I am only saying that because when Jennifer was found police said she was in good spirits when they located her on Saturday. The news sources keep stating that Holtz is known to the family but not a relative. You just can’t trust anyone to be around your children nowadays.⁴

July 18, 2009: 10:30 p.m. PST

The identity of Jennifer’s alleged kidnapper has been released to the press. He is twenty-one-year-old Alec Holtz. There is no further information about this individual.I checked the sex offender registry and he does not appear on it. I checked on MySpace and there is one Alec Holtz, age 21, who says he lives in Apache Junction, Arizona. There is no photograph. He says he is in a relationship but leaves his text number if you want to get to know him. The most disturbing part is he states he is a firefighter. It is disturbing to think that a firefighter would abduct a child. Of course, that is if the Alec Holtz on MySpace is the same Alec Holtz who is currently facing kidnapping charges.⁵

July 18, 2009: 6:30 p.m. PST

Jennifer was found late this afternoon unharmed in the home of a person known to the family but not a family member. The suspect was taken into custody. There is no further information at this time regarding the identify of the suspect.⁶ If there is further information I will be sure to post it here. Thank God, she was found safe.

Sources

1. Deborah Stocks and Tim Vetscher, Apache Junction Toddler Goes Missing with Mother Nearby, ABC15.com, Last Accessed: July 18, 2009. [↩]
2. Missing Poster: JENNIFER MURILLO PEREZ, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Last Accessed: July 18, 2009. [↩]
3. Mike Sakal, A.J. Man Arrested in Kidnapping, East Valley Tribune, Last Accessed: July 19, 2009. [↩]
4. Deborah Stocks, Tim Vetscher and Brent Roulier, PD: Kidnapped Apache Junction Child Molested by 21-Year-Old, ABC15.com, Last Accessed: July 19, 2009. [↩]
5. Possible Alec Holtz MySpace Page, MySpace.com, Last Accessed: July 18, 2009. [↩]
6. Deborah Stocks and Tim Vetscher, Missing Apache Junction Girl Found Safe, Suspect Arrested, ABC15.com, Last Accessed: July 18, 2009. [↩]