The previous Halloween, a teenage teenager named Preston Lord was fatally beaten at a party in the Queen Creek, Arizona, suburb of Phoenix.
The investigation into the brutal attack has taken a significant turn with the recent arrest of two more individuals, bringing the total number of suspects to six, including three juveniles.
Suspected Gang Involvement
Following his announcement at a press conference, Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Brice hinted that anybody who interfered with witnesses or hampered the investigation would face additional arrests. Two days following the October 28 gang-style assault, Preston Lord, who was only 16 years old, passed away from his injuries.
The motive for the attack remains a mystery, leaving the community in Arizona horrified and in mourning. Detectives suspect that Lord was the target of the Gilbert Goons, a gang known for recording blitz-style attacks in several locations and sharing them on social media.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell disclosed that Dominic Turner, 20; William Owen Hines, 18; and two 17-year-old boys are facing charges of felony first-degree murder and kidnapping. Turner is additionally charged with aggravated robbery.
Arizona Ongoing Investigation
On Thursday, Taylor Sherman, 19, and another 17-year-old boy were apprehended, both facing charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and aggravated assault. The three juvenile suspects remain unnamed due to their age.
Turner, Hines, and Sherman made their initial court appearances, with a judge setting a $1 million secured appearance bond for each of the suspects. Mitchell emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, with potential for additional charges as her office reviews extensive evidence, including 600 videos and a 2,000-page police report.
Lord’s parents, Nick Lord and Autumn Curiel, expressed their sentiments in a statement, stating that each arrest represents a step towards accountability and justice for their son.
Preston Lord was a San Tan Valley student who participated in basketball, football, and golf in addition to serving on the student council. Community involvement has been spurred by the Arizona tragedy, with marches and vigils held in opposition to the growing gang violence in the suburbs of Phoenix.
