UPDATE - Cache County School District released the Press Release below:
The Cache County School District family is saddened by the tragedy that occurred in our community over the weekend. School administrators were first contacted on the evening of Thursday, February 17th, when it was discovered that a ninth grade student had failed to return home after school. School administrators worked with family, friends, community members and local authorities to locate the teen, who was found seriously injured and flown to a Salt Lake City area hospital for treatment.
On Friday, school and district staffs continued to cooperate with local authorities to provide information that might be helpful to the case. We applaud the efforts of local law enforcement who have worked tirelessly on the case which ultimately led to the arrest of two suspects.
Our hearts go out to all of those involved, especially the families. School and district staffs will work to provide the necessary educational support these families need during this ordeal. On Tuesday, February 21st, extra resource officers and school counselors are on hand at local schools to provide support to students. In addition, school administrators met with teachers to provide guidance on how to address student concerns and questions. Students requiring additional support have access to school counselors. Parents are welcome to contact their local school administrator if they have concerns that need to be shared with the school.
Any inquiries about the facts of the case itself will be referred to Mike Peterson at the Cache County Sheriff’s Office. The Cache County School District’s Public Information Office will handle any questions related to schools.
We continue to believe we live in one of the best communities in the nation with wonderful students and parents. However, we recognize we are not immune to tragedy. Our entire district and school staffs are dedicated to supporting our community during this difficult time.
SMITHFIELD, Utah - Cache County authorities said a missing 14-year-old girl found in a Smithfield canal was shot in the head; two 16-year-old suspects are in custody.
Officers said the investigation began when Deserae Turner's family reported her missing after she did not come home from school that day.
Police said friends of the family found Turner semiconscious and critically injured in a Smithfield canal just before 1 a.m.
Turner went to a Logan hospital and was then flown to a Salt Lake hospital because of the severity of her injuries.
She is in a medically induced coma in critical condition.
Officers have arrested two 16-year-old boys who are both facing charges including aggravated attempted murder, aggravated robbery and four counts of obstructing justice.
According to police, they found what they believe to be the handgun involved in the shooting as well as Turner's phone and other personal items with the two 16-year-old suspects.
Counselors are available for students and others at nearby Cache County schools.
Check back with Fox 13 for the latest updates.
The "Deserae Turner Charity Fund" has been set up at America First Credit Union for donations to help the Turner family.
Click here to see the "Go Fund Me" page for Deserae Turner.
FOUND: Deserae Turner - Smithfield
