A northern Utah teenager who was shot by two Smithfield boys and left to die in a canal is representing crime victims during Utah's National Crime Victim’s Rights Week. Shooting victim Deserae Turner was featured during Sunday events, along with Utah Governor Gary Herbert who read and signed a proclamation for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week 2018.
Representatives from the Utah Office for Victims of Crime and the Utah Attorney General's Office joined Turner by signing a banner supporting those seeking assistance as victims of crime.
Just over a year ago, at the age of 14, Turner was shot in the head by two boys she knew. Both teens were tried as adults and are currently serving 15- years to life sentences. The bullet they shot at Turner during the attempted murder remains lodged in her head. She testified in court that damage from the shooting causes her daily pain. Turner has lost the use of her left hand and has trouble with her memory because of the incident.
Following Sunday's Victims of Crime proclamation signing ceremony, Turner presented the ceremonial puck drop for the Utah Grizzlies hockey game.
An interfaith vigil was held in Park City Sunday, and later this week Salt Lake City Mayor Jackie Biskupski will speak at a family day event about supporting crime victims’ rights.
