Preston Lord homicide case: Queen Creek PD submits charges against 7 people
QUEEN CREEK, Ariz. - The Queen Creek Police Department confirms charges were submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney against seven people related to the homicide investigation from October 28.
QCPD says MCAO is reviewing the submitted charges.
The names of the seven individuals were not released.
Memorial walk held for Preston Lord
Community members say they want justice and the violence to stop.
"While charges have been submitted, the investigation continues and the public is encouraged to submit any new tips to https://p3tips.com/952. I want to reiterate that our focus continues to be getting justice for Preston Lord," said QCPD's Chief Randy Brice.
This is Queen Creek PD's first homicide investigation.
Memorial Walk held for Preston
Preston Lord: Memorial walk held for murdered teen
The Queen Creek Police Department has submitted charges to the Maricopa County Attorneys Office in the death of 16-year-old Preston Lord. On Thursday night, the community came together to hold a memorial walk for Lord. FOX 10's Lindsey Ragas reports.
On December 28, a memorial walk for Preston was held. Parents and students walked from Mesquite High School in Gilbert to police headquarters. This is all in an effort to get the police and the city council to continue investigating teen violence in the community.
It was an emotional walk. Preston's family spoke in front of the Gilbert Police Department at the end and their message was heartbreaking.
"I came out today to represent Preston. His mom is actually a coworker of mine," said Melodee Nowatzki. "It's a tragic situation."
Another person at the event stated, "We all just love our friends, and we are here to support and bring awareness."
"I was the first one to get to the hospital. I checked in, and I said I'm Preston Lord's aunt, and he was just brought in as a trauma. The girl's eyes immediately dropped, avoiding contact with me and said please come with me," said Melissa Lord.
Preston's stepmother, Melissa Ciconte said, "The police said parents are actively refusing to participate in the investigation."
Preston Lord murder investigation: Queen Creek Police say some parents are not cooperating with probe
Queen Creek's police chief made the claim in a statement that was issued in connection with an ongoing investigation into an incident back in October that led to the death of the 16-year-old teen.
Preston was beaten and died from his injuries at Phoenix Children's Hospital two days later. He was a student at Combs High School in nearby San Tan Valley, was on the student council and played several sports.
"We're just concerned about violence going on in our community. We're concerned about our young children being victimized. And we want answers and we want individuals to be held accountable. And we want to send a clear message that if you commit a crime in our community, you're going to be held accountable and that's what we want our police departments.. Gilbert, Queen Creek, and surrounding police departments to be aware of.. that we the people, that's what we are demanding," said Shane Krauser.
Their goal is to get justice for Preston and stop this from happening to another innocent teen.
"As our hands as humans, we can both give life and take it away, so please think about what you choose to do with your hands, thank you," said Melissa Lord.
A lot of people who know the Lord family personally say they won't stop until they get justice.
Gilbert PD has web page dedicated to teen violence
The Gilbert Police Department now has a web page dedicated to investigating teen violence. Most recently, the department posted a photo showing a fight on Aug. 18 near Williams Field Road and Market Street. Gilbert Police did not officially link this to the so-called "Gilbert Goons" group.
Gilbert PD reopens four criminal investigations
Since the attack, GPD has reopened four criminal investigations, and they now have a web page dedicated to investigating teen violence.
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Gilbert Goons: Police speak out amid community concerns over teen violence
Gilbert Police officials have released photos connected to an assault incident earlier in the year, as the department looks into cases that might be connected with the so-called 'Gilbert Goons' group.
Most recently, GPD released a photo showing a fight on August 18 near Williams Field Road and Market Street. They did not officially link this to the so-called "Gilbert Goons" group, but say they're investigating if this incident and others in Gilbert and neighboring communities are related.
GPD is increasing patrols in high-traffic areas.