In Queen Creek, Arizona, near Phoenix, a tragic incident unfolded outside a Halloween party on October 28, 2023, resulting in the death of 16-year-old Preston Lord two days later. The altercation erupted when an inexpensive necklace was stolen from one of Lord’s friends, escalating into a confrontation between Lord and his friends and the group responsible for the theft. Witnesses reported that Lord was knocked to the ground and stomped on by an individual in a white suit before fleeing the scene. Shockingly, the remaining suspects filmed Lord’s unconscious body on their cell phones.
Following an extensive investigation, six teenagers and one 20-year-old, including Talan Renner, Talyn Vigil, William Owen Hines, Dominic Turner, Taylor Sherman, Treston Billey, and Jacob Meisner, faced charges related to Lord’s death and the robbery of the necklace. Despite the distressing evidence, all seven suspects pleaded not guilty, maintaining their innocence.
Central to the case are disturbing social media messages and texts exchanged among the suspects, revealing their alleged involvement in Lord’s murder. Messages from Renner boastfully claimed responsibility for killing Lord, while others urged the deletion of incriminating videos and photos from the scene. One particularly chilling message offered a reward for not turning over evidence to authorities, indicating the callousness of those involved.
Furthermore, Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Brice expressed concern that as many as 15 individuals may be implicated in Lord’s assault, labeling it one of the most brutal incidents he has encountered in his law enforcement career. Brice emphasized the importance of witnesses coming forward to provide crucial information, suggesting that additional charges may be brought against adults involved in the case. He stressed that while arrests have been made, securing convictions is the ultimate goal to achieve justice for Preston Lord and his loved ones.
