- A new Utah law, "Deserae's Law," will change how suspects of violent crimes are charged.
- Inspired by Deserae Turner's case, it will aid victims of violent crimes if they later die from their injuries.
- Turner's family finds peace knowing future victims may receive justice under this law.
SALT LAKE CITY — Next month, a new Utah law inspired by the life and death of Deserae Turner will go into effect, changing how prosecutors can charge suspects in violent crimes when victims later die from their injuries.
At the age of 14, Turner was shot in the back of the head and left for dead in a canal in February 2017. Against the odds, she survived the shooting and spent 63 days in the hospital. Her case drew national attention as she fought to recover, using the phrase "tougher than a bullet" to describe her resilience.
Although Turner survived the initial attack, her health never fully recovered. She died from complications related to that gunshot wound nearly eight years later, one year ago, in April 2025.
Because she did not die immediately, the two teens who shot her were charged and later sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for attempted murder. Under Utah law at the time, those charges could not be upgraded after her death.
That will change with SB92, now known as "Deserae's Law." Starting next month, the law allows attempted murder charges to be elevated to murder if a victim later dies from injuries caused by the attack.
For Turner's family, the law represents accountability — even if it cannot be applied retroactively in her case.
Her sisters say the loss of "Des" still feels raw, especially as major life moments continue without her presence.
"She's not going to be there to be part of my baby's future. She only really had barely two months to be with my baby," said sister Lizzy Leslie.
Another sister, Kaycee Turner, described milestones Deserae will miss. "My graduation. She won't get to be there for my wedding. She'll never get to see me have kids."
Despite her struggles, Deserae remained an inspiration to many.
"She inspired so many people, and she filled our lives with love, light, and laughter," Kaycee Turner said.
In one of her final interviews, just days before her death, Deserae spoke openly about what lay ahead.
"I'm not scared of what's going to happen next," she said. "I know where I'm going, and I'm ready to get there."
Her sisters say knowing the law will now protect future victims brings them a sense of peace.
"She got the life sentence," Leslie said. "(The boys) got off easy because Des wanted to survive. Des wanted to live. Des wanted to experience life when they really wanted to kill her."
While the law will not change the sentences of the young men responsible for her shooting, Turner's family says it ensures other families may find justice they otherwise wouldn't have.
"It's not something that will go back and affect them," Leslie said, "but it can affect somebody else and help somebody else. Future victims can have some sort of justice and relief that, the state is looking out for them."
Deserae's family plans to gather this month to celebrate her life and the legacy she has left behind for so many.
