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(KSL News/AP) -- The family of a slain missionary spoke to the media for the first time today.
Mark and Kathy Young, the parents of 21-year-old Elder Morgan Young, held a press conference today outside their Bountiful, Utah home. They extended their gratitude to family, friends, neighbors and law enforcement for all the support they have received.
Kathy Young says they are a family in grief, but NOT a family in crisis. The Young family says they don't have any anger toward 19-year-old James Boughton Junior, the man accused of shooting their son in Chesapeake, Virginia Monday night. Boughton also allegedly shot Young's companion, 19-year-old Joshua Heidbrink, of Greeley, Colorado.
The parents say they strongly believe they'll see their son again, someday. Morgan's body will be returned to Utah today. His funeral is scheduled for Tuesday.
The family returned home yesterday from Virginia, where their son was shot and killed. While there, they met with the family of their son's mission companion, Elder Joshua Heidbrink, who was wounded in the shooting. They say the families offered each other support in this difficult time.
Police in Chesapeake, Va. arrested James Boughton, Jr., the man they say shot the two missionaries.
Neighbors call the suspect a wonderful young man.
Nettie Bailey, Neighbor of Suspect: "James was a very quiet, sweet young man. He was an honor roll student who had aspirations of being a doctor or a president. I've never known James to be in trouble, he was a wonderful kid, a very quiet, sweet child."
But police know him differently. They say he shot the two missionaries Monday night; they found the gun Wednesday. Boughton's criminal record begins in May when he was charged with possession of cocaine. A few months later he was found guilty of driving under the influence and sentenced to 30 days in jail. The sentence was suspended.
In November he was charged with underage drinking and using abusive language; those charges were dismissed.
Elders Young and Heidbrink were going door-to-door in Chesapeake when, police say, they witnessed a crime and Boughton shot them. The missionary's grandfather says the family is not angry.
Winslow Young, Elder Morgan Young's Grandfather: "It's really been tough for them and it's going to be a while before they really can feel comfortable again. I can't imagine anything more devastating."
Winslow Young, Elder Morgan Young's grandfather: "I know that he [Elder Young] gained a lot, and I know that the people of Virginia gained a lot from him. But, oh my, we're going to miss him."
Elder Heidbrink, who was wounded in the shooting, returned to his home in Greeley, Colorado.
(Associated Press contributed to this story.)
Statement Read by Elder Young's father
Elder Morgan Winslow Young, age 21, was a missionary who served with honor for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Richmond, Virginia mission. In the early hours of Tuesday, January 3, 2006, he received his transfer to a more exalted estate and was spared of any mortal anguish and pain.
He was born on May 11, 1984 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Mark Winslow and Kathy Williams Young. He was a graduate of Bountiful High School and completed one year at Weber State University prior to his mission.
He had a keen sense of humor and a well-developed imagination. He loved his family, was great with children, had an interest in art and computers, and enjoyed reading biographies. He was an Eagle Scout.
He loved his mission and the people of Virginia. He served with diligence and enthusiasm and was blessed with outstanding companions. Although he had served for 21 months, he didn't want to come home and he will never be released as a missionary.
Special thanks to President and Sister Kirk of the Virginia, Richmond mission, Elder Joshua Heidbrink, the First Presidency and officers of the church, and local leaders, the missionaries and members of the Richmond, Virginia for their kindness and compassion. And to the local law enforcement and hospital staff for their sensitivity and professionalism.
We greatly appreciate the generosity, love and resources provided to our family and from all those who have helped us during this difficult time.
