Preston Lord: 6 suspects arrested, charged with teen's murder
PHOENIX - Six people have been indicted in the murder of East Valley teen Preston Lord.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced four of the indictments on Wednesday during a joint news conference with Queen Creek Police. Mitchell identified the suspects as Dominic Turner, 20, William Hines, 18, Talan Renner, and Talyn Vigil.
On Thursday, Mitchell announced two more indictments, Taylor Sherman, 19, and Jacob Meisner, 17, and spoke about them on "The Mike Broomhead Show" on KTAR News 92.3.
"No one is off the table in this investigation and if we find evidence that is sufficient to bring those charges, we will bring those charges," Mitchell said. "This was massive. There was so many potential witnesses and witnesses involved here, so it was piecing that together, as well as interviewing other people that may have been reluctant to talk to the police, it was getting the medical examiner’s report… there was no one thing, it was a cumulation of things."
- Jacob Meisner: "Charges: one count aggravated robbery, a Class Three felony; one count of first-degree murder and/or second degree in the alternative, Class One felonies; one count kidnapping, a Class Two felony."
- Taylor Sherman: "Charges: one count of aggravated robbery, a Class Three felony; one count of first-degree murder and/or second degree in the alternative, Class One felonies; one count kidnapping, a Class Two felony."
All six suspects are accused of first-degree murder and kidnapping. Turner is also accused of robbery, and Meisner faces aggravated robbery charges. Renner and Vigil have not yet made their initial court appearance.
Suspects:
- Jacob Meisner
- Talan Renner
- Dominic Turner
- William Owen Hines
- Taylor Sherman
- Talyn Vigil
"All defendants including those announced last night are being held on $1 million bond," stated MCAO officials.
From left: William Hines, Dominic Turner and Taylor Sherman (MCSO)
"This is a culmination of an extensive investigation and a critical step in getting justice for Preston," Queen Creek Chief of Police Randy Brice said. "To Preston’s family, we thank you for your patience and faith in our efforts. We cannot imagine what you have endured. To the public, thank you for continuing to send tips and the outpouring of support for the family. We will be vigilant in finishing up this case - this is all about ensuring we get justice for Preston. And, ensuring that we continue to focus on teen safety."
Lord, 16, was assaulted during a Halloween party on Oct. 28. He died two days later at a hospital. Last month, his death was officially ruled a homicide by the medical examiner.
On Thursday night, a vigil will be held for Lord in the Queen Creek Ranchettes neighborhood, near Sossaman and Chandler Heights.
Lord Family statement on arrests
"We extend heartfelt gratitude to the community members who stepped up to provide information to secure these arrests. But for law enforcement's collective efforts and community members' invaluable cooperation, these arrests would not have happened. Each arrest represents a step towards accountability and justice for our son Preston."