LOGAN, Utah, March 7, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — The court appearances of two teenage boys charged in the attempted murder of 14-year-old Deserae Turner will remain open to the media, allowing the public access to information on the case.
Attorneys for both boys had asked that court proceedings be closed to the media, and that their clients undergo mental evaluations admissible in court. The judge did approve the second request.
Turner, an Amalga resident, went missing Feb. 16, after school. She was found by a family friend just after midnight in a dry canal bed next to Sky View High School, in Smithfield.
Turner, who prosecutors say was left for dead, had been shot in the back of her head and robbed of $55, a phone and an iPod, according to reports.
She was flown to Primary Children’s Hospital and put into a medically induced coma, from which she has since emerged.
“Our daughter is a fighter with a strong will to live,” the family’s most recent update said. “We are grateful for everyday and know that there is a very long road ahead for her and our family.”
A GoFundMe account set up on Turner’s behalf had raised $49,240 of its most recent goal, $75,000, as of Tuesday.
Another account for donations has been set under the name Deserae Turner Charity Fund at America First Credit Union.
The boys accused in the case, who may be tried as adults, will have hearings later this month.
The shocking turn of events has rocked the small rural community which is banding together to help Turner’s family with medical expenses.
