OREM — Residents of the amiable Orem neighborhood where Craig Roger Gregerson grew up and his parents still live are surprised and skeptical about charges filed against the man in the kidnapping death of Destiny Norton.
Gregerson, 20, was charged Thursday with aggravated murder and kidnapping of the 5-year-old Salt Lake girl. Destiny had been missing for eight days when police found her body Monday night in the basement of Gregerson's home.
Charging documents say Gregerson confessed to kidnapping the girl, killing her, engaging in sexual activity with her body and then hiding her in a storage container in his basement.
Neighbors and friends of the Gregerson family say they have a hard time believing he could be capable of such crimes.
"He's always been a good kid," said Jake Frahm, 22, a neighbor who grew up across the street from the Gregersons' home near 1000 North and 300 East, Orem. "This really surprises me. I don't believe he's guilty because I've known him."
Frahm and other neighbors are following the lead of Gregerson's parents, David and Karen, saying they're waiting to hear what the man tells his family before believing any accusations.
"If, for some reason, they find out that it was him, they're going to accept it, accept him and try to work through it," Frahm said. "Our hope is that he's not guilty."
Family spokesman Reed Farnsworth, a longtime friend and neighbor, said David and Karen Gregerson have an appointment to speak with their son Saturday morning. The family is expected to make a statement following that meeting, he said.
"They're very distraught," Farnsworth said. "Right now, they're hoping everyone will pray for the Norton family."
Colleen Butler, another neighbor, describes the Gregersons as a "wonderful family" who are well-liked in the community and active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The friendly, close-knit neighborhood has been in shock since Craig Gregerson was arrested in connection with Destiny's disappearance, Butler said. "We're just blown away."
The community has tried to be supportive of the family while still respecting their privacy, neighbor Darla Willmore said.
"It's hard to know what to say (to the Gregersons)," Willmore said. "We just love them. And we're sick about Destiny Norton's family. It's a double tragedy for two families."
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