Destiny Norton

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Destiny Anne Norton
Destiny Norton
Born	November 30, 2000 Salt Lake City, Utah
Died	July 16, 2006 Salt Lake City, Utah

Destiny Anne Norton (November 30, 2000 – July 16, 2006) was a five year old Salt Lake City child who was the subject of an intensive search by about 5,000 community volunteers and hundreds of local and federal law enforcement officers following her disappearance from her home on July 16, 2006.

Destiny had been last seen as she left her home after arguing with her parents about going to bed. She lived in a small ranch house with her mother and father, and about ten other couples and friends who shared the house for economic reasons.

After a massive eight-day search by local volunteers, FBI and police, Destiny's body was found on July 24, 2006, less than 100 feet from her home in the basement of her neighbor, 20-year-old Craig Roger Gregerson. Family and friends were initially outraged after the search ended, and accused authorities of mishandling the investigation. An apology on behalf of the family and friends was later issued in a press conference.

Gregerson was formally charged on July 27, 2006 with kidnapping and aggravated murder. He waived his rights to a speedy trial, and later waived his rights to a preliminary hearing which had originally been scheduled for October 3 and October 4, 2006. In a plea bargain to avoid the death penalty, he plead guilty to capital murder and child kidnapping on December 4, and was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder, and fifteen years to life for the kidnapping. The sentences will be served consecutively.