Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
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John Daley ReportingMayor Rocky Anderson says the police and FBI handled this case by the book and that it might never have been solved if not for their tenaciousness. He says that will all become clear as more information comes out.
When Chief Matthew Burbank announced the news that Destiny's body had been found in a nearby home, he released few details and declined to take questions from the press.
Shortly after that news conference, close family friends who helped coordinate the search, accused police of botching the investigation. In particular, they criticized the fact the girl was so nearby, yet took a week to find.
Peter Brooks, Destiny's Uncle: "It's the house behind their house, it's two buildings back.. And you would think, you would really think a prime location for the police to search. Hum, makes me really want to wonder."
A little later the chief himself arrived to answer questions.
Question: "I want to know why we were told lies, why we were given false information and why you guys didn't tell us anything that we could have helped you with?
Police Chief Chris Burbank: "Let me explain. The police department told no lies in this whatsoever. All the information we had was given out as soon as we knew it. In fact, right up to the very last minute, we had conflicting information from several different people. Now let me say right up front, before I continue with my comments, one of the most important, crucial things here is to make sure our investigation is thorough, accurate and doesn't jeopardize any future prosecution that takes place."
The chief explained the law prevents police from searching houses randomly without a warrant.
Police Chief Chris Burbank: "This is still the United States of America and the Constitution is in place. That restricts what we can do and how we conduct investigations."
Mayor Rocky Anderson: "Those who were emotionally distraught last night didn't have all the information. As the information comes out, I think it's going to be evident to everybody that a thorough search was done."
Court documents suggest the five-year-old was dead shortly after she first disappeared. Now criminal defense attorney Greg Skordas says police are reluctant to release more information, to protect both their pending investigation and the accused.
Greg Skordas, Former Prosecutor: "Maybe some people don't think they deserve much fairness, but they do. They deserve a fair trial, they deserve a jury pool that doesn't know a lot about a case."
The mayor praised police and the FBI and says in time the public will know more.
Mayor Rocky Anderson: "I can't tell you what was said or by whom or where her body was found or how it was concealed, but uh, it's going to be clear as to why police during the initial search weren't able to find her body."
Now police are undoubtedly going through Gregerson's home with a fine tooth comb, looking for evidence to support a capitol case, which, if convicted, could mean life in prison or the death penalty.
Greg Skordas, Former Prosecutor: "And the police are going to make sure that they've done everything to guard against someone getting off on what you might call a technicality."
Police have 72 hours to charge Craig Gregerson, so that's likely to happen by Friday. We'll look for more information in court documents when formal charges are filed and also when autopsy results come in.
Mayor Rocky Anderson: "I think it's because of the good work they're done that we have the answers today. With mediocre police work we might never have had the answers."
Police clearly adopted a tight-lips stance as to information released to the public, in contrast with, say the Elizabeth Smart case and they kept to that pattern today, despite requests from the media they held no press conference today.
