LOGAN — Memorial services have been announced for Deserae Turner, who passed away after developing a deadly infection in her lungs. Family members said the 22-year-old Amalga woman’s journey in life ended April 17 with the same strength, courage, and fight that defined her life.
A viewing will be held on Friday, April 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Amalga Ward Building, 6521 N. 2400 West, Amalga. A second viewing will be held on Saturday, April 26, from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Smithfield Cemetery.
Family members wrote in Turner’s obituary, from the moment Deserae was born, her spirit was unmistakable. She cherished growing up on a small family farm, where her love for animals and nature flourished. She earned countless ribbons, trophies, and buckles, but it was her love for the horses and the joy of the experience that mattered most.
In school, Deserae was known to be everyone’s friend, the obituary stated. She played flute and saxophone in the school band, and loved studying science.
“Deserae was honored to be chosen as Homecoming Queen, a memory she fondly described as her Cinderella moment,” family members wrote. “She graduated from Green Canyon High School in 2020, served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and in 2023, married the love of her life, Mason Buck. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, learning, and love.”
Turner’s family expressed their deepest thanks to the community, for the immense love and support during this tender time. They stated, Deserae’s strength, smile, and unwavering faith will live on through the countless lives she inspired and the love she freely gave.
On the afternoon of February 16, 2017, Turner was led by a pair of teenage boys she knew to a canal in Smithfield where then-16-year-old Colter Peterson shot her in the back of the head. He and Jayzon Decker took the 14-year-old’s belongings and left her there.
Early the next morning, Turner was found by a family friend who was helping search for her. She was still alive, but barely.
Turner underwent 63 days of intensive hospital treatment and made a miraculous recovery, although never completely. For the past 8 years, she endured countless doctor visits and therapies, underwent nearly 50 procedures, of those, 16 were brain surgeries.
In a press release, Cache County Attorney Taylor Sorensen said that while the U.S. Constitution prevents a retrying of Turner’s case, the Cache County Attorney’s Office will vigorously oppose any early release for Peterson and Decker. Both are serving sentences of 15-years-to-life in prison, and won’t be eligible for parole until at least 2032, when the attorney’s office will attempt to persuade the Parole Board to keep them incarcerated.
Family members have set up a GoFundMe account, to help with medical bills, funeral expenses, and any extra funds will help Deserae’s husband and family afford some extra time off work for bereavement.