Fundraiser grows for girl shot and left in ditch

Children and families participate in a cake walk at the Fighting for Deserae fundraiser on Saturday, February 25, 2017.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — An online fundraiser for 14-year-old girl who police say was shot in the head and left in a ditch has grown to over $45,000 in donations.

Deserae Turner is no longer in a medically induced coma as of Friday but remains in critical condition.

Two 16-year-old boys have been charged with aggravated attempted murder, robbery and other counts.

Authorities say they lured Deserae to the ditch in the small town of Smithfield, Utah, last week by promising to sell her a knife.

The Associated Press is not naming the boys because they are juveniles.

A Go-Fund Me page to help the family with medical expenses has nearly reached its goal of $50,000. Friends have also opened an account in her name at America First Credit Union.

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!