SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - A challenge to the qualifications of courtroom translators has delayed an evidence hearing for a Burmese refugee charged with beating a 7-year-old neighbor to death.
Defense lawyers say translators for Esar Met and his family flunked a test of their abilities Monday.
Met was to start a four-day evidence hearing Monday, but 3rd District Judge William W. Barrett cancelled it indefinitely.
The judge complained it was the fourth time defense lawyers had delayed the hearing. He ordered everyone back in court July 2 to plan the next move.
Police say they found the body of Hser Ner Moo, another Burmese refugee, inside Met's South Salt Lake apartment a day after she was reported missing four years ago.
Met has denied charges of aggravated murder and kidnapping.
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