Memphis Teen Plotted for Months to Kill School Principal

Aug. 11, 2011 — -- A Memphis teenager who told police he had been planning the murder of his school principal for months was held without bond today and ordered to undergo a mental evaluation.

Eduardo Marmolejo, 17, was arrested Wednesday after a teacher discovered Principal Suzette York's bloody body about 11:20 a.m. at Memphis Junior Academy. He was charged with first degree murder.

Marmolejo told police that he had been planning for months to kill the 49-year-old York, Memphis police said.

"He advised investigators that he did not like her and that she had made him angry. Marmolejo further advised that he knew that he was going to be alone with York which would give him the opportunity to kill her," Memphis police said in a statement.

York is a native of Canada and had taught at the school before becoming principal. The school is affiliated with the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

She had recently expanded the school to include 11th grade. Marmolejo was the school's sole 11th grader, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reported. The teen told authorities that he'd begun plotting the murder of York when he found out in May that he'd be returning to the school for the 11th grade, ABC Affiliate WPTY.

In a press release, the spokesman for the Kentucky-Tennessee Seventh-Day Adventist Conference said that classes at the school are cancelled until forther notice.

A memorial for the teacher was held Wednesday afternoon at a nearby Methodist Church that shares a parking lot and some facilities with the school.

"She was a delightful, absolutely delightful person...very dedicated to the school and to the students. Everyone is absolutely shocked. We're stunned," said Brad Gabriel of Mullins United Methodist Church.

York is survived by her husband, Leslie. Attempts to reach him were not successful.

Marmolejo's next court appearance will be Aug. 24.