Preston's Law signed by Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs, establishing 'swarming' as a felony
PHOENIX - Preston's Law was signed by Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs on May 12.
What we know:
"For nearly two years, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell worked alongside State Representative Matt Gress (R), and Preston Lord’s parents, to gain passage of House Bill 2611. Also known as 'Preston’s Law,' in memory of the 16-year-old who died at the hands of a group of teenagers in October 2023, the law creates a new category of assault and allows for tougher penalties against those who are convicted of these crimes," the Maricopa County Attorney's Office (MCAO) said.
The law will amend assault statutes to create a new type of crime called "swarming." It's when three or more people attack one person, causing physical injuries.
It will be a class 4 felony, allowing prosecutors to seek tougher penalties. MCAO says it's a probation-eligible offense.
Big picture view:
"After Preston’s death, the public learned of a group called the ‘Gilbert Goons,’ comprised mostly of teenagers who beat up other teens and young adults at parking lots, parks, and parties. It is common for Goons, and their affiliates, to post video of the assaults online and on social media," MCAO said.
What they're saying:
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell stated that the new law will ensure these types of beatings are treated with appropriate severity.
"Preston’s tragic death placed sharp focus on the need for the law to catch up with this awful trend. It’s a new tool we can use to send a clear message those who commit these cowardly attacks that they will most definitely be held accountable," Mitchell said. "I am deeply grateful to legislators, staff, and supporters who worked very hard to change the law, and to the governor for giving Preston’s Law her approval."
Preston's mom speaks at May 13 press conference
"I always knew that Preston was destined to do great things and pave the way as an upstanding young man. Of course, I never imagined that his impact would come through his death, but even in this unimaginable tragedy, he continues to inspire change," Autumn Curiel, his mother, said.
She spoke at a May 13 press conference along with Rep. Matt Gress and the county attorney.
"It is not OK to gang up on an individual and beat them up. If you do so, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office will hold you responsible," Mitchell said.
Rep. Gress said, "Preston's Law classifies violent group assaults that result in injury as aggravated assault, a class four felony. It gives law enforcement and prosecutors the tools that they need to hold those accountable for coordinated cruelty."
Although Preston's Law doesn't bring the teen back, his mother looks at it as a law that will save others.
"This is just one more reason why I always have been so incredibly proud of him. I used to tell him, 'If you want change, you have to stand up for it, even if you're the only one still standing.' That's exactly what Preston has done," Curiel said. "I am deeply honored to have this law carry his name."
‘A legacy of reform’
"May Preston's name be a name of a legacy of reform and not just a reminder of tragedy," Rep. Gress said.
Mitchell and Rep. Gress say this law is not about punishment, but it's about deterrence and justice.
"This is a law that I hope to never have to enforce. This is a law that I hope just deters people from doing this type of behavior and sends a strong message about how dangerous this is and that parents should talk to their kids so that they make sure that they're not engaging in this type of behavior because the consequences are just too much," Mitchell said.
Following Lord's death, local police departments started taking a closer look at teen violence cases. Many were either opened or reopened, and those who committed the crimes are now being held accountable.
What's next:
Preston’s Law will take effect 90 days after the legislature concludes this year’s session.
Seven people were arrested in Lord's death.
William Hines is the first suspect to take a plea deal in this case. Earlier this month, he was sentenced to 17 years in prison.
Taylor Sherman and Jacob Meisner have settlement hearings at the end of this month.
What you can do:
Click here for more FOX 10 reports on Preston Lord's death, as well as other reports of teen violence.