Trial scheduled for Catherine Gregerson

Catherine Elin Gregerson, the wife of the man charged with murdering 5-year-old Destiny Norton, will have a one-day trial on two misdemeanor charges stemming from an argument she had with her husband.

Gregerson, 33, appeared in court with her lawyer, Delano Finlay, who asked that the charges be dismissed. Instead, 3rd District Judge Judith Atherton set an Dec. 1 trial for the charges of domestic violence in the presence of a child and criminal mischief, both class A misdemeanors.

Outside the courtroom, Finlay said the charges arose from an argument the couple had on April 27 when they were separated. Catherine Gregerson had brought their 1-year-old baby with her to their home, Craig Gregerson grabbed the infant and ran inside, closing the screen door and telling Catherine she would never see the child again, Finlay said.

Catherine Gregerson kicked a hole in the screen door to get the baby back and someone called the police, Finlay said.

He said prosecutors offered a plea in abeyance plea bargain in which Catherine Gregerson would plead guilty but could have the charges removed from her record if she successfully completed the terms of probation, but Gregerson declined to accept that. Finlay said he is convinced his client will be exonerated once the facts in this particular case emerge.

Gregerson said she is having a difficult time coping with the tumult of recent events: Destiny Norton killed on July 16, Craig Gregerson charged with capital murder and first-degree felony kidnapping in connection with that death, and some outrage from the public that has been directed at her.

"I have my moments," Gregerson said. "I will be fine one moment and then be breaking down in tears, really breaking down, like mini nervous breakdowns."

Gregerson said she is staying with a relative and is letting friends in Spanish Fork to take care of the infant during this time when she is so upset. "I don't want to put harm to my child."

Finlay said she has applied for some financial aid to get mental health treatment.

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