Neighbor charged with aggravated murder, kidnapping in Norton case

Prosecutors filed charges of aggravated murder and child kidnapping Thursday against Craig Roger Gregerson, who is accused in the death of 5-year old Destiny Norton.

Aggravated murder is a capital offense, enabling prosecutors to seek the death penalty.

The Salt Lake County District Attorney's office said on July 16 Destiny went into the backyard of her home at approximately 8 p.m.

"The defendant saw Destiny in the Norton's backyard, which is approximately 50 feet west of his residence," said Bob Stott, the lead prosecutor handling the case. "The defendant approached Destiny, spoke with her and then persuaded her to come inside his residence."

Prosecutors said Gregerson confessed to killing Destiny and then sexually abusing her body.

"The defendant stated that once she was inside the defendant's residence Destiny wanted to leave and became very vocal," Stott said. "The defendant placed his hand over Destiny's mouth and squeezed. Destiny went limp. The defendant then carried Destiny's deceased body into his basement and later engaged in sexual activity with Destiny's body."

Police found her body in a plastic storage container in the basement.

Additional details will be in Friday's Deseret Morning News.

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E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com