Deserae Turner, a 22-year-old woman from Utah, is preparing for her final moments after enduring a life of suffering following a brutal attack that almost claimed her life as a teenager.
At just 14 years old, Deserae was shot in the head and left to die in a remote canal bed in Smithfield, Utah, by two classmates, Colter Peterson and Jayzon Decker.
Though the odds were stacked against her, Deserae defied them all by surviving, but the trauma left her with severe lifelong disabilities.
From Survivor to Hospice Care
Despite surviving the attack, Deserae’s journey since then has been filled with immense physical pain and emotional turmoil.
Over the past eight years, she has undergone nearly 50 surgeries, including 16 brain surgeries, yet the consequences of her injuries continue to affect her daily life.
Now, after being diagnosed with a fatal infection, Deserae has made the difficult decision to enter hospice care, seeking comfort in her final days.
In an emotional interview with ABC4.com, Deserae spoke candidly about her decision.
“I’ve been in so much agony, so much pain, for eight years… it is time for me to take the steps to be in less agony and less pain,” she shared.
While acknowledging a natural fear of death, she also expressed a sense of peace, saying, “I’m not scared of what’s gonna happen next… I truly believe I know where I’m going, and I’m ready to get there.”
Family’s Support and Heartfelt Words
Deserae’s family has rallied around her during this painful time, sharing their support on a GoFundMe page for her end-of-life care and funeral costs.
In a statement, they expressed their admiration for Deserae’s strength, writing, “Des has fought a good fight for more than 8 years now; she is tired.
She doesn’t have it in her to fight another life or death battle.”
They also noted that, while it’s a difficult decision, Deserae’s choice to embrace hospice care was made out of a desire to find peace and relief from the constant pain.
The GoFundMe page has raised $29,000 toward its $40,000 goal, as of Wednesday morning, to help with Deserae’s final expenses.
The Attack and the Painful Legacy
Deserae’s attackers, Peterson and Decker, were both 17 when they lured her to a secluded spot and shot her in cold blood.
They had discussed their plans to kill Deserae while playing video games, and after the attack, they left her to die, believing she wouldn’t survive.
However, Deserae’s will to live prevailed, and she managed to survive the horrific ordeal. Peterson and Decker were later convicted, each sentenced to at least 15 years in prison.
At their sentencing in 2018, Deserae addressed her attackers, expressing her feelings of betrayal and anguish. “You are evil. I wish this had never happened,” she told Decker.
“Good luck having a life in prison and remember that, because of you, my life is a prison too.”
A Legacy of Strength and Courage
Deserae’s incredible strength in surviving the shooting and her brave decision to speak out in court left a lasting impact.
Her journey, though filled with unimaginable pain, shows a woman who fought tirelessly to reclaim her life despite overwhelming odds.
Now, as she prepares for her final chapter, she’s choosing peace over pain, surrounded by her loved ones who continue to support her until the very end.
