Scottsdale, Arizona (3TV/CBS 5) — The investigation into the murder of 16-year-old Preston Lord continues more than three months after his death. The boy died two days later after being severely assaulted on October 28 outside a Halloween party in the Queen Creek neighborhood.

On December 28, two months after the attack, the Queen Creek Police Department filed charges against seven juveniles and an adult with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. The County Attorney's Office is currently reviewing all evidence to determine what charges will be filed in connection with Lord's death.

on wednesday, scottsdale law firm A representative for Preston's parents, Nick Lord and Autumn Curiel, released the following statement:

At a news conference two weeks ago, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell provided an update on the investigation, including how much material her office is reviewing. He said the case involved more than 2,000 pieces of digital evidence, including more than 600 videos.

“This is a monumental task,” Mitchell said on Jan. 24. “But we know that the community wants answers and, most importantly, the families of Preston Road want answers about it, so we are working extremely hard to get this done. We're working quickly.'' Mitchell added that he receives daily updates on the case from prosecutors.

MCAO is also investigating numerous other teen violence-related incidents in the East Valley, most notably in Gilbert, where police have made about 30 arrests. Tap/click here for more information.

Event timeline

Saturday, October 28, 2023

• 9:07 p.m.: QCPD's non-emergency line receives a call about a possible disturbance involving juveniles in the area of ​​194th and Via del Oro. The teens were seen leaving the area, but no illegal activity was observed and officers were redirected to another call.
• 9:49 p.m.: QCPD receives a 911 call regarding an assault in the area of ​​194th Street and Via del Rancho. Officers arrived within three minutes and found the teenager lying in the roadway. They performed life-saving efforts until paramedics arrived and took him to the hospital.

Monday, October 30th

• Mr. Preston Lord passed away at Phoenix Children's Hospital.

Tuesday, October 31st

• QCPD said officers are investigating the boy's death and are awaiting results from the Maricopa County Coroner's Office. Police also requested video from surveillance and doorbell cameras in a half-mile radius of the area between 6pm and 10pm on October 28th. Residents with video or other information are asked to call (480) 358-3500 or email QCPPDInvestigators@. QueenCreekAZ.gov.

Wednesday, November 1st

• Police said the boy's death is currently being investigated as a homicide and officers are investigating several leads. QCPD Chief Randy Blythe and Cmdr. Mark Newman also dispelled rumors online that police officers were already at the party when the attack occurred.

Monday, November 6th

• QCPD provided a brief update on the investigation, which it said was “complex and wide-ranging with many people involved,” but stressed that no arrests had been made.

Wednesday, November 8th

• Police said multiple search warrants were executed as investigators worked to make arrests.

Thursday, November 9th

• Lord's classmates and friends held a candlelight vigil at Combs High School in Santan Valley.

Tuesday, November 14th

• QCPD announced that “multiple persons of interest” have been identified in Lord's death. Bryce said the department has received hundreds of tips and the investigation includes “extensive interviews, warrants and court orders.”
• The FBI's Phoenix field office joined the investigation and offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the suspect. If you have photos, videos, or other information, please reach out. fbi.gov/Preston Road Or call the FBI's toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).

Thursday, November 16th

• A group of Queen Creek residents distributed “Light the Night” signs instructing families to light candles through Thanksgiving Day for the safety of the Lord, his family, and all children.

Wednesday, November 22nd

• QCPD confirmed no arrests had been made but “significant developments” had been made in the investigation.

Tuesday, November 28th

• Community members hosted a Light the Night community walk to commemorate the one-month anniversary of Lord's beating.

Wednesday, December 6th

• Queen Creek held a town council meeting to discuss Lord's death and provide an update on search warrants in the investigation.

Thursday, December 21st

• Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Blythe said the investigation is continuing and he understands it is “incredibly frustrating for the public that no arrests have been made yet.”

Thursday, December 28th

• The Queen Creek Police Department confirmed that the complaint has been submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for review.
• Light the Night Walk participants walk from Mesquite High School to Gilbert Police Headquarters to praise the Lord and call for more investigations into teen violence.

Thursday, January 11, 2024

• Preston Lord's stepmother spoke before the Chandler City Council, calling for action in her son's case and calling Preston's death “the result of unnecessary violence.”
• Queen Creek Police continue to examine evidence, but no suspects have been arrested or taken into custody.

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

• The Queen Creek Police Chief and the Mayor both spoke at the Town Council meeting and promised justice for Preston Road.

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

• Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell provided an update on the investigation, saying her office is reviewing more than 2,000 pieces of digital evidence, including more than 600 videos. She calls this work “a monumental task.”

Thursday, January 25, 2024

• Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Blythe said he has spoken with Arizona's family and that arrests in Lord's death are pending and could be made at any time.

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