For a fourth time, preliminary hearing dates have been set for a Burmese man charged in the 2008 slaying of a young refugee girl.
The hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to order Esar Met, 25, to stand trial in the sexual assault and murder of 7-year-old Hser Ner Moo, who was found dead in Met's South Salt Lake apartment, is scheduled for seven days beginning Nov. 7.
Interpreter issues caused the latest delay when, earlier this month, Met's defense attorneys said the Burmese interpreters for Met were inadequate.
On Monday, 3rd District Judge William Barrett said the court would appoint the Burmese and Karen interpreters needed for Met, witnesses and the victim's family.
There are no Burmese interpreters in the United States who meet the highest certification level for court interpreters, Salt Lake County prosecutor Rob Parrish said Monday. There are, however, interpreters who meet lesser criteria and are still qualified.
Hser Ner Moo, a Burmese refugee herself, went missing March 31, 2008, prompting a massive search by hundreds of volunteers and law enforcement. She was found the next day, beaten and raped inside Met's apartment, according to court documents.
