A 7th suspect has been snared in the high-profile murder of Arizona teen Preston Lord, with officials from the Maricopa County Attorney's Office confirming Treston Billey as the latest to be detained. Billey faces a slew of charges, including aggravated robbery, first-degree murder, and kidnapping, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix.
This development follows a string of indictments stemming from the tragic incident on Oct. 28, when Lord, 16, was viciously assaulted during a Halloween bash. He succumbed to his injuries two days later, dying in a hospital. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office, according to 12 News, revealed that six individuals were indicted between Mar. 6 and Mar. 7 before Billey's arrest.
The Queen Creek community recently gathered in a potent display of solidarity in remembrance of the young life cut short. Speakers at an emotional vigil highlighted the void left by Preston's untimely death. Scott Myers spoke of the torturous wait for justice, saying, "We were waiting for this for four months, 18 weeks, four days," in a statement obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix.
Meanwhile, Gilbert Police Chief Michael Soelberg offered details on the police's interactions with the suspects, with one juvenile having a rap sheet including minor offenses such as a dirt bike infraction, as per 12 News. In a statement released through their law firm, Lord's parents expressed their "heartfelt gratitude" to the community for helping secure these arrests, as reported by 12 News.
Seven suspects in total, including four adults and teens, are facing charges concerning Preston Lord's death. The accused are being held on a $1 million bond after making initial court appearances. In the ongoing investigations surrounding teen violence in the area, Gilbert Police stated that there are still 12 active cases, per 12 News.
