On Wednesday, Feb. 14, the Maricopa County Medical Examiner completed a report related to Preston Lord, finding his death was a homicide.
According to the Queen Creek Police Department, the “medical examiner’s report is an important component of the investigative process. The findings are consistent with our investigation and support the charges submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO).”
The MCAO continues to review the charges submitted by the Queen Creek Police Department.
On October 28 at 9:07 p.m., the Queen Creek Police Department (QCPD) received a call to the non-emergency line in regards to a juvenile disturbance in the area of Via del Oro and 194th St. Officers responded to the area and located a number of juveniles leaving the area; no illegal activity was observed. Within a few minutes, the officers on scene were diverted to a high-priority call with a potential crime in progress.
At 9:49 p.m. QCPD received a 911 call in regards to an assault in the area of 194th St. and Via Del Rancho. Officers arrived on scene in approximately three minutes. QCPD discovered Preston Lord in the roadway of that area and administered life-saving efforts. He was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. On Monday, Oct. 30 he passed away in the hospital.
In December 2023, QCPD announced it had submitted charges to the MCAO against seven individuals believed to be members of the notorious “Gilbert Goons” in connection with the murder of young Preston Lord.
In November 2023, the QCPD 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
QCPD 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.”