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KSL Team CoverageVolunteers braved hot weather searching for Destiny Norton. It's has now been nearly 100 hours since the five-year-old girl disappeared.
Police are getting more help in their search for Destiny Norton. Salt Lake County Search and Rescue spent most of the evening in Memory Grove.
But there's still no sign of Destiny.
Twenty-three Search and Rescue members scoured Memory Grove, for any clues, in the disappearance of Destiny Norton.
Their skills and knowledge of the terrain, are helpful to police.
Lt. Teri Sommers, Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office: "They can hike the trails and those kind of things, and they're equipped to do that."
Officials from the state crime lab spent the afternoon in the Norton home. Friends of the family tell KSL they are taking fingerprints of all the children inside the house so that they'll be able to distinguish the prints from Destiny's.
Family and friends are trying to remain hopeful. The house is still surrounded by flowers and stuffed animals left behind after a candlelight vigil last night.
As for the investigation, police are still scratching their heads. They've received more than 200 tips and they're following every lead, including the report of a suspicious person seen near the search area.
Det. Robin Snyder, Salt Lake City Police Dept.: "We've followed some tips, but none of them have been very concrete. None of them that have led to her yet, but we hope we're going to get the one that will."
Police say they are still looking for a child who is alive. Her uncle told KSL he believes police are getting closer to finding Destiny with every passing minute.
Peter Brooks, Destiny's Uncle: "I think that they are doing a good job. I feel that they are investigating every angle that possibly could lead them to know what happened."
Investigators searched the yard area again this morning. Also, FBI agents have scanned the neighborhood.
There have been some concerns about a pond at Liberty Park. Police have searched the area around the pond, but Destiny's uncle says they're planning to drain the pond. Because of a dangerous chemical, he wants volunteers to leave all water chemicals up to police.
Today's volunteer search got off to a shaky start; only about 100 people showed up this morning to look for Destiny. Because of that low turnout, the family held a press conference this afternoon. They asked the community to put aside any social differences, for the good of this little girl. It appears that plea was heard, loud and clear.
Around 6:00 this morning, searchers hit the trails of Emigration Canyon, but the group was smaller than in days past. Yesterday by noon, nearly 600 volunteers had checked in. But this morning, that number dropped drastically, prompting search organizers to ask why.
Shane Siwik, Volunteer Search Coordinator: "We need to make sure people look behind the tattoos and the earrings; these are good folks."
Kevin Bardsley, Father of Garrett Bardley: "I don't care who it is or what their class of life is. They are all children of God and it doesn't matter, God loves them just as much as they love any other person "
Fearing that image and lifestyle differences were keeping people away, the family held a press conference. They asked that this not be a time of judgment, but a time to focus on bringing Destiny home.
Shane Siwik, Volunteer Search Coordinator: "No matter what class we come from, income level, wherever we are, this is about a five-year old girl that is lost. And that's all. That's all it should be about. This community, this city, is capable of so much compassion and so much charity, and this family needs that today."
Leslie Borchardt, Grandmother: "I know there are hundreds and hundreds of you out there watching this. Do not judge my children. They are a good, good family, and destiny is the most beautiful girl in the world."
Rachael Norton: "I know she's really scared right now."
An hour after that request, organizers scrambled to keep up with the response.
Annie Hill, Norton Family Spokesperson: "Incredible compared to our number the last couple of days. This is about 30 percent more than what we've had at this time the last couple of days."
There was a steady stream of volunteers checking in Thursday afternoon.
Again, the family is grateful for the increased turnout, but still would appreciate any help they can get.
The search continues tonight until 8 pm, then tomorrow they'll be back at it. Volunteers should be 18 years of age or older, and are requested to bring a valid driver's license or picture ID.
