Queen Creek Police give update on investigation into deadly assault of teen
QUEEN CREEK, Ariz. - Queen Creek Police Department provided an update surrounding its investigation into an assault of a teen that turned deadly.
We first reported on the investigation on Oct. 31 as police asked members of the public for assistance in the investigation by providing footage of people or vehicles in an area between Ocotillo Road and Chandler Heights Road, and from Sossaman Road to Hawes Road, between the hours of 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Oct. 28.
In a Nov. 8 statement from Queen Creek Police, the department said officers have executed several search warrants related to leads they've gotten.
"QCPD has executed several search warrants related to investigative leads and continues to work towards an arrest. We understand that the community wants quick resolution - as a police department, we are committed to a thorough investigation to hold the appropriate people accountable and bring justice to the family," the department said.
What do police know so far?
Queen Creek Police said they received a 911 call regarding an assault in the area of 194th Street and Via Del Rancho on the night of Oct. 28. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a juvenile in the roadway.
"He was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. On Monday, Oct. 30, he passed away in the hospital," read a portion of the statement.
On Nov. 1, police cleared up rumors about their response saying while there were several calls to that area, there was only one emergency call to the intersection of 194th Street and Via Del Rancho for the assault incident.
They also addressed the large number of tips they are receiving.
"We're working through a large volume of tips … we have somewhere, you know, 76 tips so far. We also have received at least 400 posts or comments on our social media channels. It's imperative those tips go through the police department in the manner that we've already described, not on social media. While good intention, these postings on social media could possibly jeopardize the investigation," police said.
While Queen Creek Police have not released the victim's identity, family members are identifying him as Preston Lord, a high school student in the area.
Preston's aunt, Melissa Lord, said her nephew was assaulted at a Halloween party. She said his heart stopped, and other teens were able to perform CPR and restart his heart.
Melissa said her nephew suffered a severe brain injury and died at Phoenix Children's Hospital. A GoFundMe has been set up by Melissa.
Candlelight vigil to honor teen
Vigil to honor AZ teen who died after assault
Preston Lord was found assaulted in the street on Oct. 28 following a Halloween party. Lord later died from his injuries. Police say a homicide investigation into Lords death remains active. Combs High School in San Tan Valley, where Lord was a student, will be hosting a candlelight vigil on Nov. 9 at 6 p.m.
Combs High School in San Tan Valley, where Lord was a student, will be hosting a candlelight vigil on Nov. 9 at 6 p.m.