Teen Violence

There is a new twist in the Preston Lord murder case, as one of the suspects in the case has turned down a plea deal. FOX 10's Lauren Clark reports.

Jacob Meisner, one of the seven suspects accused of killing 16-year-old Preston Lord, was in court on May 30 but did not reach a plea agreement with prosecutors. According to court documents, Meisner faces first-degree murder, aggravated robbery and kidnapping charges. In court on Friday, Meisner was offered lesser charges of aggravated assault and manslaughter, but an agreement was not reached.

A settlement hearing is scheduled for Taylor Sherman on May 29. Sherman is facing first-degree murder and kidnapping charges in Preston Lord's death. Lord died after he was beaten outside a Halloween party in Queen Creek. Earlier this month, William Hines became the first suspect sentenced in the case.

FOX 10's Lindsey Ragas hears from those who pushed for the passage of Preston's Law. The hope for the law is that it acts as a deterrent, preventing tragedies like the death of teen Preston Lord.

The mother of Preston Lord spoke at a May 13 news conference after Gov. Katie Hobbs signed Preston's Law. She says Preston is making the world better even after his tragic death. FOX 10's Lindsey Ragas has more.

On Tuesday, May 13, the Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, along with Rep. Gress and Autumn Curiel, held a press conference following the passage of Preston's Law. Preston Lord was badly beaten at 2023 Halloween party and died from his injuries.

Bills in honor of Emily Pike and Preston Lord are making their way through the Arizona legislature. Pike's bill aims to establish a new missing persons alert system in Arizona. The goal of Lord's bill is would upgrade assault charges.

Multiple family members that were affected by the path of destruction of William Owen Hines, as described by the state in court paperwork, spoke at his sentencing hearing. FOX 10's Kenzie Beach has more.

One of the seven suspects charged in the killing of Preston Lord has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for the manslaughter of Lord and five years for a separate crime. FOX 10's Kenzie Beach was at the courthouse.

New details of William Owen Hines' criminal history have come to light on the eve of his sentencing for manslaughter in the death of Preston Lord. FOX 10's Kenzie Beach has more.

House Bill 2611 would add tougher consequences for aggravated assault charges if an attack involves two or more people. The bill is named after Preston Lord, who died after he was beaten outside a Halloween party in Queen Creek. Seven suspects have been charged in Lord's death.

William Hines, one of the seven suspects accused in the 2023 death of East Valley teen Preston Lord, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Tuesday. Here's the latest on his plea, as well as his plea in three other unrelated cases.

The law would increase penalties for aggravated assault in cases where there are two or more accomplices. The bill is named after Preston Lord, a 16-year-old who was killed after an attack at a Halloween party in 2023.

The suspects charged in the killing of Preston Lord, 16, appeared for a hearing in a Maricopa County court on Feb. 5. All seven are facing first degree murder stemming from a fight at a Halloween party in Queen Creek back in 2023.