Five individuals have now been indicted in the murder of Preston Lord, a 16-year-old who was fatally assaulted at a Halloween party in Queen Creek last October, authorities said. A fifth suspect, 19-year-old Taylor Sherman, appeared in court Thursday facing first-degree murder charges, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix. Sherman, along with the four other suspects – William Hines, Talan Renner, Dominic Turner, and Talyn Vigil – face murder and kidnapping charges, with Turner additionally accused of robbery.
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office announced on Wednesday that a grand jury had indicted the four individuals. The tragic incident took place over four months ago and has since spurred a meticulous investigation culminating in these recent arrests. In a statement obtained by 12News, the Lord family expressed their appreciation to the community and law enforcement for their collaborative efforts which led to the arrests, calling each arrest "a step towards accountability and justice for our son Preston."
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, during a news conference, highlighted the grand jury process, which included reviewing the critical medical examiner's report from early February, which ruled Lord's death a homicide. However, Mitchell stressed that the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may still be brought forward. Chief Randy Brice of the Queen Creek Police Department echoed this sentiment, indicating that further inquiries into witness tampering or obstruction of the investigation are possible.
The scope of the teen violence phenomenon in the East Valley has become apparent, with the Gilbert Police Department currently handling 12 active investigations related to such incidents. Gilbert Police Chief Michael Soelberg gave a rundown on the suspects' pasts, including previous arrests and interactions with law enforcement, in a subsequent press conference. One of the teens had been previously arrested for minor infractions such as possession of tobacco and shoplifting, while Hines had a history of assault charges, according to FOX 10 Phoenix.
Lord, a student at Combs High School, was found seriously injured following the October party. He succumbed to a severe brain injury two days later. The school later held a candlelight vigil remembering Lord's life and legacy, which hundreds of community members, friends, and family attended. Despite the arrests, the County Attorney's Office continues to sift through a large volume of evidence to ensure a thorough prosecution, emphasizing the importance of “getting it done right,” as conveyed in earlier statements.
