Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell and Arizona State Representatives announced the introduction of a new bill entitled, “Preston’s Law,” aimed at strengthening the criteria for aggravated assault charges.
This legislation is named in memory of Preston Lord, a 16-year-old Queen Creek student who was brutally murdered in 2023 by a teen gang, commonly referred to as the “Gilbert Goons.”
The bill, HB2611, includes provisions targeting assaults involving two or more accomplices, which would result in enhanced penalties.
Preston’s Law will do two things related to teen violence. First, it creates a new category of aggravated assault (commonly referred to as “swarming”) that occurs when an attacker has two or more accomplices who are actually present when the attack occurs. Second, it makes such offenses a class Four Felony, preventing them from otherwise being treated as misdemeanors.
“Preston’s Law is a strong response to the devastating impact of violent crime, ensuring justice for victims and holding violent offenders accountable,” said Arizona State Rep. Matt Gress, sponsor of the bill. “I’m grateful to County Attorney Mitchell for her leadership and support in bringing this important legislation forward. Together, we’re standing up for justice and the safety of every Arizona community.”
Preston’s parents, Nick Lord and Autumn Curiel expressed their hope that this type of crime will vanish. “The terrifying reality of coordinated assaults has become far too common and must be addressed. While no law can bring Preston back, we hope this bill will deter these types of attacks and protect others from suffering the same fate. We urge lawmakers to pass this legislation and make it clear that violence in numbers will not be tolerated. We ask that Preston’s tragic death serve as a catalyst for change, to ensure that no other family will have to endure the agony of losing a loved one to such senseless brutality.”
In 2024, as teen violence prosecutions proceeded, Mitchell witnessed the challenges facing her prosecutors and decided to do something about it. “It was clear that to truly hold these kinds of attackers accountable, we must have the right tools – meaning the right laws,” she said. “Once this bill becomes law, it will apply not just to children, but to any attacker who foolishly believes that by hiding in a crowd, they’ll get away with it. That will not happen on my watch.”