In a tragic incident at a Halloween party in Queen Creek, 16-year-old Preston Lord lost his life, igniting increased scrutiny on teen violence cases in the East Valley. The incident, which occurred on January 11, prompted family members of the victims to address the Chandler City Council during a meeting.

Concerns About Teen Violence

Melissa Ciconte, Preston Lord’s stepmother, expressed deep concerns about the escalating issue of teen violence. She highlighted that the party where her stepson was killed involved teens from various Valley cities, raising worries among parents about the surge in bullying and attacks on teenagers.

Ciconte emphasized the devastating impact of unnecessary violence, urging preventive measures to avoid such tragic losses in the future. Despite the absence of arrests in Preston Lord’s murder, the Queen Creek Police Department has forwarded recommended charges to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office against seven individuals linked to the homicide investigation.

Voices for Justice at Chandler City Council

During the Chandler City Council meeting, Shane Krauser, representing concerned parents, voiced their collective apprehensions about the rising violence targeting young individuals in the community. Their demand for accountability resonated as they urged police departments in Gilbert, Queen Creek, and neighboring areas to address and combat the growing issue.

The overarching goal expressed by Krauser and others was to obtain justice for Preston Lord and prevent similar incidents from befalling innocent teens in the future. The emphasis on accountability for criminal acts in the community echoed throughout their statements.

Background on the Tragic Incident

Preston Lord, a student at Combs High School in San Tan Valley, met a tragic fate at a Halloween party in 2023, succumbing to injuries at Phoenix Children’s Hospital two days later. Described as an active student involved in the student council and various sports, Preston’s untimely death has sparked a movement for justice.

Ongoing Investigation and Calls for Tips

As of December 28, the Queen Creek Police Department confirmed the submission of charges to the Maricopa County Attorney against seven individuals related to the homicide investigation. While the names of the individuals remain undisclosed, Chief Randy Brice emphasized that the investigation continues, encouraging the public to submit any new tips through https://p3tips.com/952.

The focus of law enforcement remains steadfast on obtaining justice for Preston Lord, underscoring the commitment to addressing and resolving the tragic incident. The community, fueled by personal connections to the Lord family, vows to persist until justice is served.