Language a Hurdle in Murder Case

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The teenager accused of killing a principal is due back in court next week. Meanwhile, Eduardo Marmolejo's parents, who recently used an English interpreter in court, are learning the American justice system the hard way.
Some resources within the Latino community offer help to immigrants adjusting to life in the U.S. Latino Memphis' Executive Director Mauricio Calvo advocates and offers resources to help Hispanics through Latino Memphis, a non-profit group. "We're very close to our clients, we hear a lot of stories," he said.
Word of the principal's death spread among the Latino community, who Calvo said shared the same feelings of devastation as other Memphians. "Because this case is very serious we may consider reaching out to them just to make sure they don't have any issues navigating the channels."
An affidavit said Marmolejo confessed to the killing to homicide detectives and his parents. In court, his parents used an English interpreter. Memphis Police said an interpreter was also present during Marmolejo's alleged confession.
Calvo said they encourage interpreters whenever possible, but say parents who don't speak English commonly use their child as the translator.
"Sometimes it's dangerous because sometimes that child may not have the maturity or expertise to be an interpreter, whether it's making a police report or at that doctor's office, there might be technical terms that most people, even adults, are not familiar with."
Calvo said most of their clients' education compares to a third grader in their native country. Despite efforts by some to learn English, the demands of life in a new country can be overwhelming.
"You have from work, transportation issues, kids; it gets tricky, everybody would love to learn English and make life much simpler."
Adding to the difficulty, the Marmolejo family will likely have to overcome a cultural distrust of government. "Well, how is she representing me if she works for the government."
Latino Memphis said their resource center also partners with deputies who help their clients fill out police reports at the agency. If you need assistance you can call them at 901-366-5882.