-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- The family of a woman who faces charges of killing an 8-year-old playmate of her daughter 's said Sunday the accusations are `` completely out of character . '' The Tracy , California , family offered their prayers to the victim 's family . Melissa Huckaby was charged with kidnapping and murder in the death of 8-year-old Sandra Cantu . `` We are deeply saddened by the loss of this beautiful girl , '' said a man who would not give his name , identifying himself only as a relative of suspect Melissa Huckaby , 28 . He was referring to Sandra Cantu , who was last seen alive March 27 in the mobile home park where she lived with her family -- the same mobile home park where Huckaby lives with her own 5-year-old daughter . The two children were close friends and played together frequently , Tracy police Sgt. Tony Sheneman said . Sandra 's body was found Monday , stuffed into a suitcase and submerged in a pond at a dairy farm . Huckaby was arrested late Friday after she was questioned by police . She faces kidnapping and murder charges in Sandra 's death . Watch police discuss the arrest '' Sheneman told reporters Saturday he `` could n't begin to theorize '' a motive . Family members went to visit Huckaby in jail Sunday , but were told they could not see her , the relative told reporters . `` We do know that the information we 've been given regarding the charges against Melissa Huckaby are completely out of character for her , '' he said . Relatives are in `` absolute shock '' at Huckaby 's arrest , he said . Huckaby is the granddaughter of Clifford Lane Lawless , pastor of Clover Road Baptist Church near the mobile home park , and she taught Sunday school at the church , police have said . The church was searched as part of the investigation into Sandra 's disappearance and death . Lawless was at the press conference , but declined to speak . `` We are distressed at the possibility that such a tragedy might have happened in a place of worship , '' the relative said Sunday , adding that the family asks the press and the community to `` understand the church 's desire to continue their worship and ministry outreach . '' Watch neighbors remember slain girl '' The church `` is a community of loving people , '' he said . `` They love God . They love their community and they have ministered to the people of this community for many , many years . '' Huckaby 's family expressed appreciation for the support and prayers received from other churches . Although it has been difficult , the church has `` done everything that we can to be cooperative '' with the investigation , the man said . The family thanked law enforcement for what the man said was `` gracious treatment . '' `` Our prayers are with Sandra 's family and the community for God 's comfort and mercy as we work through the process of healing for such a tragic event , '' the man said . `` We trust in God 's peace . '' The church was planning to hold Easter services at noon Sunday , he said . `` We 're very shocked , '' said a woman , who also identified herself only as a family member . `` It 's very out of character for Melissa . We love her dearly . '' She described Huckaby as `` a fantastic mother , very loving . ... This is a very difficult time for us and it 's very difficult to express to you right now how we 're feeling . '' Huckaby 's relatives know no more on the investigation than what has been reported by the media , the relatives said , and were not told why police were searching the church . `` The only reason why our family is making it through this at all is because of our faith in God and because of his mercy , '' the woman said . Asked whether she believes Huckaby is innocent , she declined comment . In a Friday interview with the Tracy Press newspaper , Huckaby acknowledged owning the black rolling suitcase in which Sandra 's body was found , but said she reported it missing the day before the child 's body was found . She said the suitcase disappeared at about the same time Sandra did . Sheneman told reporters Saturday that `` inconsistencies '' between that interview and statements Huckaby had made to police were one reason police asked to re-interview her Friday night . He would not say whether police believe Sandra 's death was planned . Police said earlier Saturday that they believe Sandra was already dead by the time she was reported missing . The day Sandra was last seen , she came home from school , kissed her mother and left to play with a friend who lives nearby . A short time later , she left to go to another friend 's home , a family spokeswoman has said . Huckaby told the Tracy Press that Sandra came by her home to see if she could play with Huckaby 's daughter , but Huckaby would not let her daughter play because she wanted her daughter to pick up her toys . Sandra left for another friend 's house , Huckaby told the newspaper . The girl was last seen wearing a pink Hello Kitty T-shirt and black leggings . Police later used that clothing description to identify her body .