Gregerson blood draw ordered

A judge has ordered blood samples be drawn from Craig Roger Gregerson, who is charged with capital murder in connection with the death of 5-year-old Destiny Norton.

Prosecutor Alicia Cook on Tuesday requested the blood samples so Gregerson's DNA can be compared with "any DNA that can be obtained from evidentiary items seized from the crime scene," according to a motion filed in 3rd District Court.

The motion says Gregerson told FBI Agent Steve Fillerup that he "engaged in sexual activity with the dead body of a female child named D.N.," a reference to Destiny.

Third District Judge Judith Atherton granted the request the same day and ordered that Gregerson "forthwith" must permit the blood samples to be taken.

Gregerson, 20, is charged with first-degree felony kidnapping and aggravated murder, which, if he is convicted, carries a potential sentence of death, life in prison without parole or 20-years-to-life with the possibility of parole.

Destiny's parents said she went out into their Salt Lake City backyard July 16 and after a short time, they noticed she was missing. Hundreds of volunteers combed central Salt Lake City, while others distributed fliers with Destiny's picture on them to passing motorists and posted them in public areas throughout the state.

Gregerson was among the many volunteers joining in the massive searches in the searing July heat.

Police found the child's lifeless body July 24 in a closed container hidden in Gregerson's basement. Police say he confessed to luring Destiny inside his home, which is two doors away from hers, smothering her and later having sex with her body.

Search warrants filed in 3rd District Court stated that Gregerson allegedly told police that he fantasized about kidnapping Destiny and engaging in sexual activity with her, as well as having similar thoughts about other young girls.

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E-mail: lindat@desnews.com