PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) – Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell is expected to host her biweekly news conference on Wednesday afternoon, providing updates and addressing various topics relevant to the community.

While specific details of the news conference have not been released, recent high-profile cases are likely to be discussed. One such case that gained significant attention is the tragic murder of 18-year-old Stephen Benito Jacobo, who lost his life at a house party in November 2022.

The murder suspect, identified as Joe Rim, remained free for over a year as prosecutors requested Mesa Police to strengthen the case before it could be formally submitted for prosecution. This delay has raised concerns within the community and sparked discussions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

Teen violence, particularly in the East Valley, has become a pressing concern for the local community. In a recent exclusive interview with Arizona’s Family, the parents of Christopher Fantastic, a suspect involved in a brutal attack on a teenage boy, shared their perspective.

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell expressed her office’s interest in investigating whether the group, known as the “Gilbert Goons,” can be legally classified as a street gang. Mitchell emphasized the seriousness of their criminal acts and stated that if they operate as an organized street gang, her office will explore the possibility of enhancing charges related to gang activities.

During the January 10 press conference, Mitchell said, “I don’t know where the name ‘Gilbert Goons’ came from. It doesn’t seem to capture the seriousness of this. These are criminal acts. And we, of course, if they are doing this through an organized street gang-type situation, we will look at the enhancement of gang charges or whether it was in furtherance of a street gang.”

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