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Sandra Yi Reporting Our look at the top ten stories of the year ends tonight with the number one story of 2006-- the kidnapping and murder of five-year-old Destiny Norton.
The tragedy sparked strong emotions in the community, and in the process brought us closer together. It recently ended with a quick resolution to her killer's fate.
Rachael Norton/ Destiny's Mother/ July 20, 2006: "I just ask people not to give up. Say I'm not going to give up. And just come out and help us look."
The community responded to Rachael Norton's plea, and came out to search, for her 5-year old daughter. Destiny Norton disappeared from her backyard on July 16th.
For a week, volunteers-- including those whose own children had been kidnapped-- scoured neighborhoods, parks and canyons.
Ed Smart/ Elizabeth Smart's Father/ July 20, 2006: "The not knowing is the worst part, and having everyone out here brings so much hope to the family. You know, you just want to find her."
But hope turned to sadness and then anger, when police found Destiny's body on July 24th, in a neighbor's basement. Craig Gregerson would admit to luring the girl, suffocating her, and then sexually abusing her dead body.
Friends of the Norton family ignited a near riot, as they took to the street, demanding answers from police.
Jeannie Hill: "They assured us she was not here. They assured us they were going to find her outside the community."
Both sides soon made peace. At Destiny's funeral, a maple tree was planted in her memory.
Vicki Scott/ July 28, 2006: "She was a vibrant little child. Always smiling, happy to be around."
On August 5th, Eyewitness News spoke to Gregerson in the Salt Lake County Jail. He told us he would not plead guilty.
But four months later, Gregerson struck a plea deal with prosecutors. In court, he gave the Norton family a letter that read, in part: "You have every right to hate me and want me dead."
He went on to apologize saying, the words are small, but sincere.
Rachael Norton/ December 4, 2006: "I'm just glad it's over with so she can rest in peace."
And her family, can begin to heal.
The plea deal spared Gregerson the death penalty. He will serve life in prison without parole.
