Authorities have said that a California woman pleaded guilty to kidnapping and murdering an 8-year-old Tracy, Calif., girl and will be sentenced to life in prison.

The Tracy Press reported on Monday that Melissa Huckaby will avoid the death sentence being pursued by prosecutors in exchange for her guilty plea in the killing of Sandra Cantu.

It was further reported that Cantu was last seen on March 27, 2009, at a Tracy mobile home park where both she and Huckaby lived. Cantu's body was discovered in a suitcase north of the city 10 days later.

Huckaby was arrested April 10 on suspicion of kidnapping and killing the girl.

The Press also said that other charges against Huckaby, including the rape and poisoning, were dropped as part of the plea bargain.

Members of Cantu's family attended the court session.

Family friend Lisa Encarnacion said, "They'll never get over this but at least they don't have to wait any longer." (With Inputs from Agencies)