QUEEN CREEK, Arizona – Six individuals, including five teenagers and a 20-year-old man, have been formally charged in connection with the death of 16-year-old Preston Lord, who was discovered severely beaten following a Halloween party last year. The tragic incident, which resulted in Lord’s death two days later, spurred calls for increased law enforcement action against group violence among teenagers in Queen Creek and neighboring areas.
Initially, police had announced four suspects in the case, with the promise of additional arrests. According to statements from Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, the accused individuals – identified as William Owen Hines, Dominic Turner, and two 17-year-olds – are facing charges ranging from first-degree murder to kidnapping. Turner also faces an additional charge of robbery. The four individuals initially charged in Preston’s death are being prosecuted as adults.
Two additional individuals, 19-year-old Taylor Sherman and another 17-year-old, were later indicted on the same murder charge, in addition to kidnapping and aggravated robbery. Meanwhile, an investigative grand jury has been examining the case since February, leading to the recent arrests of three suspects, with Hines already in custody.
The investigation into Preston’s death has been described as “extremely complex” by Mitchell, involving extensive police reports and hundreds of videos. The circumstances surrounding Preston’s death remain undisclosed, as authorities have not revealed the cause of his passing.
In light of the arrests, Preston’s parents expressed gratitude to the community members who provided crucial information, assisting in securing the apprehension of the suspects. They emphasized the significance of each arrest as a step towards achieving accountability and justice for their son.
Following the tragic incident, neighboring city Gilbert has been addressing past instances of teenage group violence, with Chief Michael Soelberg revealing ongoing investigations into twelve active cases. Hines, one of the indicted individuals, is facing separate criminal cases in Gilbert, including three aggravated assault charges.
The community response to Preston’s death has been marked by online speculation and misinformation, prompting officials to caution against spreading false narratives. Mitchell urged social media users to be mindful of the impact their posts may have on grieving families, highlighting the Lord family’s profound sense of loss in the wake of Preston’s tragic death.