The tragic loss of a child is an unimaginable horror for most of us. In a devastating incident that shook the community of Queen Creek, Arizona, a 16-year-old boy, Preston Lord, lost his life following a brutal attack by multiple assailants after a Halloween party. Months later, seven suspects, including minors charged as adults, have been indicted on murder charges. This long-awaited update brings a glimmer of hope for justice for Preston’s family and the community reeling from this senseless act of violence.
This horrific crime has prompted the formation of Project Lily, an anti-teen violence advocacy group, to address the pressing issue of teen violence and use Preston’s untimely death as a catalyst for positive change. We delve into the details of this heartbreaking case and speak with members of Project Lily about their mission to prevent future tragedies and create a safer environment for young people.
Unraveling the Events Leading to a Tragedy
On October 30th, 2023, Preston Lord succumbed to his injuries in a hospital, two days after being found severely beaten on a roadway near a party in Queen Creek, Arizona. Initial reports indicated that he had suffered traumatic brain injuries. While the medical examiner ruled his death a homicide, the official cause of death hasn’t been released to the public.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s office revealed that the violent altercation stemmed from the theft of an inexpensive gold chain, reportedly worth only around $10. The confrontation allegedly began when Preston and his friends attempted to retrieve the stolen necklace. A fight ensued, and as Preston and his friends tried to flee, they were allegedly chased down the street and brutally attacked.
Justice Delayed, But Not Denied: Arrests and Indictments
After months of agonizing uncertainty, the Maricopa County Attorney announced the indictment of seven individuals in connection with Preston’s murder. Four adults – Talon Vigil, Treston Billy, Dominic Turner, and Taylor Sherman – and three minors charged as adults – William Hines, Talon Renner, and Jacob Neisner – face charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, kidnapping, and aggravated robbery. All seven suspects are currently in custody with a $1 million bond each.
Maricopa County Attorney, Rachel Mitchell, addressed the concerns of the community, who felt that justice was being delayed, stating that the investigation was complex, involving numerous potential suspects, witnesses, and extensive evidence. Mitchell emphasized that her team and the Queen Creek Police Department were dedicated to ensuring a thorough investigation, which involved reviewing thousands of pages of police reports and over 600 pieces of video evidence.
Project Lily: Transforming Tragedy into a Force for Good
In the wake of this devastating incident, concerned citizens came together to form Project Lily, an organization committed to breaking the cycle of teen violence. Named in honor of Preston Lord (PL), Project Lily aims to create a culture of understanding, respect, and proactive engagement among young people.
Project Lily logo with the tagline "Dismantling the cycle of teen violence."
Project Lily’s mission is multifaceted:
- Raising Awareness: They actively engage in education and awareness campaigns to enlighten youth about the profound impact of their actions on individuals and the community.
- Promoting Empathy and Courage: Project Lily advocates for empathy and empowers young people to stand up against violence, transforming bystanders into upstanders.
- Creating Safe and Inclusive Environments: Through peer-led initiatives, they strive to build safe and supportive spaces for all young individuals.
Project Lily’s efforts demonstrate the community’s commitment to turning this tragedy into a catalyst for positive change and preventing future acts of violence.
Community Reactions and Calls for Action
The indictment of the suspects has brought a sense of relief to the community, but it has also highlighted the underlying issues of teen violence and the need for greater communication and accountability from law enforcement and community leaders.
Project Lily members, in an interview, shared their insights into the community’s response to the case:
- Frustration over Lack of Communication: There was a palpable sense of frustration over the perceived lack of communication from law enforcement officials during the investigation, which fueled rumors and misinformation within the community.
- Addressing the Root Cause: While the stolen necklace may have triggered the initial altercation, Project Lily emphasizes that this incident highlights a larger, systemic issue of organized bullying and teen violence that needs to be addressed.
- The Importance of Community Healing: Project Lily acknowledges the collective trauma experienced by the community and advocates for healing and unity in the face of this tragedy.
Unanswered Questions and the Road Ahead
While the indictments mark a significant step toward justice, many questions remain unanswered. The community awaits further details surrounding the circumstances of Preston’s death and the events leading up to the fatal attack. The alleged connection between some of the suspects and a local gang known as the “Gilbert Goons” remains under investigation.
Project Lily continues to push for transparency and accountability from law enforcement and works tirelessly to ensure that Preston’s legacy lives on through their initiatives to combat teen violence and foster a safer, more compassionate community.
