The Associated Press says it and two other news organizations are asking a judge to lift a gag order and unseal court records in the Melissa Huckaby case. She’s the former Sunday school teacher who has admitted to killing an 8-year-old girl in Tracy.

The AP, Bay Area News Group and the Record of Stockton cited public interest in the filing Wednesday. They are challenging San Joaquin County Judge Linda Lofthus’ decision to keep the orders in place after Melissa Huckaby on Monday pleaded guilty to murdering Sandru Cantu in March 2009.

The filing says Huckaby’s admission removes the need for a gag order and that other court records may shed light on the plea agreement.

A hearing is set for May 24 in Stockton.