The trial, which will begin Sept. 26, 2011, at the San Joaquin County Courthouse in Stockton, will determine a permanent ruling on the release of the autopsy report. The decision is up to the county sheriff’s office.
A preliminary injunction put in place last month has kept the report sealed, and Sandra’s family has fought tirelessly to keep the document private.
However, those privy to what’s in the report have said the information from the autopsy has already been revealed in other court documents released last month after Sandra’s neighbor, Melissa Huckaby, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the kidnapping and murder of the 8-year-old girl in March 2009.
Prosecutor Thomas Testa said last month that the autopsy report is written in technical medical terminology, and most of the details were spelled out when the doctor who performed the autopsy testified before the grand jury. The grand jury transcripts are public information and were unsealed when Huckaby was sentenced last month.
Stewart Tabak, the lawyer representing Sandra’s family, said a senate bill that protects the rights of families could prevent the need for a trial.
Senate Bill 982 would allow family members to request autopsy reports and other evidence remain sealed if their child had been murdered.
A Senate committee on July 15 unanimously approved the bill, which was introduced by Senate Minority Leader Dennis Hollingsworth, R-Murrieta. Angela Chavez, Sandra’s aunt, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in favor of the bill.
Tabak said he was unsure of how soon the bill could be put to a vote.
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I have the same question/ concern. I can only hope that if Sandra was molested before Melissa Huckaby abused and killed her that it was not from a family member who she was suppose to love and trust. If she was indeed molested by a family member or trusted friend may God show no mercy on his soul.
Sandra's immediate family have been through so much...let them have some peace.
Either way it is horrible and no family should have to go through this. Many in this city support this family and I hope and pray we all can move on and let lovely Sandra rest. But now we have another killer possibly coming to our city. I dont knowhow we can move on with another monster in our midst.