Phoenix – Public officials want tougher laws on gang violence and are making plans to make that happen.

On September 11, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced that she would be proposing legal changes to address the issue. Teen violence. in statementMitchell said the new bill would create a new crime category called “swarming” – the act of a group of people attacking an individual.

“The language in the bill under consideration would allow assaults committed by two or more co-defendants to be prosecuted as a Class 4 felony instead of a Class 6 felony or misdemeanor,” the statement read in part. “The proposal is in response to attacks by groups of teenagers commonly known as the Gilbert Goons. Since last December, the Maricopa County Attorney's Office (MCAO) has prosecuted at least 18 cases of group assaults on individuals.”

A total of seven people have been charged with murder in the Preston Road case, but many suspects in other unrelated teen violence cases have been charged with sixth-degree felonies or misdemeanors, and authorities say better laws are needed.

“I describe a Class 6 felony as kind of a purgatory between a misdemeanor and a felony, but that doesn't really speak to the seriousness of these crimes, especially to young people,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell made the announcement at a press conference that was also attended by Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley.

“As we approach the one-year anniversary of the horrific events that took place on October 28th, it is vital that we do not forget Preston and continue to work together to make our communities safer.”

The bill is supported by Wheatley, Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Blyde and two state legislators, Rep. Matt Gress and Rep. Julie Willoughby, according to a statement from MCAO.

“Preston Lord's murder at the hands of teenagers is unacceptable and requires a statewide response,” said State Representative Gress.

The bill is expected to be formally introduced in the state legislature in January 2025.