On Monday, the Gilbert Police Department announced it is investigating eight teen violence cases that could be connected to the “Gilbert Goons.”
According to the Department, it has “eight active investigations related to teen violence; four reopened investigations and four previously unreported to the department and recently received via online tips.”
“As part of this process, Gilbert PD’s Street Crimes Unit is working with the Arizona Gang & Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission (GIITEM), the Mesa Police Department Gang Unit, the Queen Creek Police Department, the Chandler Police Department, and the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office to thoroughly investigate any individuals self-proclaiming or being affiliated by others as being associated with the term “Gilbert Goons.” Initially, Gilbert PD did not have any reports where the victims or the suspects referred to “Gilbert Goons”; however, in recent information received from victims there are references to their assailants as being associated with “Gilbert Goons.” It is important to note that this investigation will determine if the “Gilbert Goons” can be classified, under Arizona law, as a criminal street gang,” announced the Department.
In December, the Queen Creek Police Department announced it had submitted charges to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office against seven individuals believed to be members of the notorious “Gilbert Goons” in connection with the murder of young Preston Lord.
Speculation about the young men involved in the beating death of 16-year-old Preston has run rampant as sources close to the matter allege at least one of the culprits comes from a wealthy and connected family in the Valley.
In November, the Queen Creek Police Department announced that detectives had identified multiple persons of interest in connection with the death of Lord.
Statement from QCPD Chief Randy Brice pic.twitter.com/aLGlUbXz7w
— Town of Queen Creek (@TownofQC) December 28, 2023
The Department did not publicly announce the names of the suspects at the time, leading concerned residents to speculate that authorities were protecting the wealthy family of one of the leaders of the “Gilbert Goons.” Sources familiar with the investigations say that the department is “wise to have taken its time and crossed all the T’s and dot all the I’s especially if the suspects are from well-known families with deep pockets and a bevy of lawyers ready to pounce.”
Young Preston Lord was killed in a beating that occurred on Oct. 28.