In a recent ruling, Jacob Meisner, a 17-year-old involved in the death of Preston Lord, was sentenced to probation in two assault cases separate from the murder charge. According to ABC15, the hearings for these cases were held in Maricopa County juvenile court, despite Meisner being charged as an adult in Lord's murder.
The first of the assaults for which Meisner received a sentence dates back to November 2022, on the fringe of Gilbert and Queen Creek. It was only after Preston Lord’s murder, that the victim, Dale Jorgensen, reported the attack. "Just weeks after Preston Lord’s murder is when I realized I probably need to report it something has to be done," Jorgensen said. Additionally, a second assault occurred in May 2023 in a Mesa park. The victim's mother detailed the lingering effects of the crime, "There's still the emotional and mental that our son deals with every day, it’s not wanting to do all the kid things that he used to be able to do," JoBeth Palmer said in court, as reported by ABC15.
As for the sentencing, Meisner will remain in juvenile detention until he reaches the age of 18, after which he will be transferred to the custody of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. 12News notes that Meisner is currently in custody since he was arrested for allegedly being involved in Lord's death.
While cameras were not allowed in the courtroom, the gravity of the criminal activities Meisner is associated with has certainly not been understated, in court or the public eye. Families of the victims have expressed a mix of relief and continued distress. "Meisner is just one of many, so I’m glad that I’m able to see justice start to get served," Rachel Jorgensen, Dale's mother, stated, "The impact I feel mainly on the fear for my other children," according to her testimony obtained by ABC15.
Meisner's legal challenges continue as he stands accused of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and aggravated robbery in the case of Preston Lord. All the suspects in Lord’s murder, including Meisner, have pleaded not guilty.
