Family and Friends Heartbroken, Outraged Over Destiny's Death

Sandra Yi Reporting Emotions and reaction from family and friends of Destiny Norton have ranged from somber to pure outrage.

Obviously, this is a difficult time for the family. Moments after police made the announcement that they'd found Destiny's body, we talked to Jeannie Hill, who has been the spokesperson for the Norton family.

We also talked to Destiny's uncle. Both were overcome with grief.

Peter Brooks, Destiny's Uncle: "I can't understand how somebody could do this to a child."

Peter Brooks couldn't hold back his tears. But his grief quickly turned to anger, directed toward Salt Lake City police and the FBI.

Peter Brooks: "I cannot believe this happened. I want the public to know, Salt Lake City Police Department and the FBI, they told me they had checked personally every building on this block, every abandoned building in a five mile radius."

Peter Brooks: "This is my niece. What is done is done. But the people responsible that did not do their job, that lied to us family members, need to be accountable for this."

He says Destiny is in a better place, but she was taken too soon.

Peter Brooks: "I've never met a child with as much zeal for life and as much strive to learn new things."

Last week, the Norton family released home video of Destiny, captured at her parents' wedding. It shows a smiling little girl, dancing for the camera.

Peter Brooks: "That caught her image more than I can say. I cannot believe that somebody would do this to a child, an innnocent child."

Jeannie Hill, Norton Family Spokesperson: "We're glad we found her and we never gave up hope. I'm glad this is the end of it. She never deserved this. (cries)"

For the past eight days, Jeannie Hill watched hundreds of volunteers devote their time to help strangers. She says her heart goes out to every one of them.

Jeannie Hill: "The whole community, they've been wonderful. They've been wonderful. They've been so helpful and looking everywhere."

A crowd gathered outside the Norton home last night. Emotions got so heated, at times, it seemed like the crowd was going to riot.

As police officers stood around the Norton home, a crowd of people hurled insults and accusations at them. At times the crowd became unruly.

Jeannie Hill walked up and down the street, shouting to the crowd.

Jeannie Hill: "They assured us she was not here. They assured us they were going to find her outside the community."

Hill says the police and FBI betrayed the family's trust.

Jeannie Hill: "When we don't take care of our families, when police don't allow us to take care of our families, if they'd allowed us to look, she wouldn't be dead right now."

The group of neighbors, friends and onlookers formed a circle and held hands to show unity.

Jeannie Hill: "Even though people try to tear us apart, we are still strong together."

Peter Brooks: "This is not what should have happened. If she was this close, she should have bee found the night she disappeared."

Then they had a moment of silence and prayed. Many were overcome with grief. Some hugged loved ones. Others held candles in honor of Destiny.

Peter Brooks: "I would personally ask the community, the entire state of Utah, to take a moment of silence, a prayer for Destiny."

Salt Lake Police Chief Chris Burbank showed up to the Norton home and talked to the crowd about some of their concerns.

Jeannie Hill: "I am the family spokesperson and I want to know why we were told lies, why we were given false information. And why you guys didn't tell us anything through this that we could have helped you with?"

Chief Chris Burbank: "Let me explain. The police department told no lies in this whatsoever. All the information was given out as soon as we knew it."

"You had dogs. Dogs smell clothing. Did you let the dogs smell the clothing?"

Chief Chris Burbank: "Yes Ma'am, we did."

"And you couldn't smell a scent?"

Chief Chris Burbank: "How many people saw the canine units out here several times? I cannot account for what a dog does or does not indicate on. Understand, the police department did not commit this crime. I do not believe there is anything we or you could have done that would have prevented this crime in this particular circumstance.

"I do not think this is the proper way to honor Destiny, this beautiful little girl who was the victim of a tragic crime. Our focus should be not allowing this to happen to another child in our community."

Chief Burbank said it was good detective work that made a break in this case. He says it's an ongoing investigation, and there will be more answers in the coming days.

In the meantime, dozens of people have come by the Norton's home, leaving messages and mementos in memory of Destiny.

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