teen violence in the East Valley
violence among teenagers in the East Valley.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : Five East Valley cities and one county are currently conducting investigations into cases of group teen violence. Multiple arrests have been made since the start of the year, involving various law enforcement agencies. The Gilbert Police Department, along with local, county, and state agencies, is focusing on a group known as the “Gilbert Goons.” These agencies are working together to determine if the group can be classified as a criminal street gang in Arizona.
The investigation into the beating death of Preston Lord is still ongoing, with no arrests made yet. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office is currently reviewing the case. The developments in these cases have been numerous and rapid, prompting ABC15 to create a timeline to keep track of all the progress made.
On October 28th, Preston Lord was assaulted at a Halloween party and later succumbed to his injuries. This incident brought attention to the community’s concerns regarding the “Gilbert Goons.”
In November, ABC15 reached out to the Gilbert PD to inquire about the alleged group. The police department responded that they had no documentation or records regarding the “Gilbert Goons.”
The FBI announced its involvement in the Preston Lord investigation on November 14th. They established a tip line and offered a $10,000 reward for information. The Queen Creek Police Department received numerous tips and identified multiple persons of interest. However, no arrests have been made thus far.
By November 16th, Queen Creek police confirmed their awareness of the “Gilbert Goons” group in response to ABC15’s inquiries.
A month after the assault on Preston Lord, a “Light the Night” event was held to commemorate him.
In December, East Valley parents started attending council meetings wearing orange in support of Lord’s family. Community members also began speaking out against teen violence.
On December 14th, the Gilbert police acknowledged that they became aware of the term “Gilbert Goons” through social media. Chief Michael Soelberg released a statement clarifying that no official reports associated the named group with any criminal activity in the community.
ABC15 shared the story of Rick Kuehner and his son, who were assaulted at an In-N-Out restaurant in August 2023. The news outlet also highlighted court documents outlining other violent attacks, including one involving the use of brass knuckles.
In December, Queen Creek police submitted charging recommendations against seven individuals to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office related to the Preston Lord case. However, the names and recommended charges have not been disclosed, and the case is still under review.
In January, the Gilbert police announced a thorough review of prior cases involving teens over the past two years. They also revealed the reopening of four cases and the discovery of four previously unreported teen violence incidents. Victims referenced the “Gilbert Goons” during police interviews. The investigation involving multiple agencies aims to determine if the group can be classified as a criminal street gang under Arizona law.
Over two days in January, Gilbert police arrested four teenagers for their alleged involvement in the August 18, 2023, In-N-Out assault. In a separate case, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office arrested Jacob Pennington, who claimed to be part of the “Gilbert Goons.”
Gilbert Town Council approved the creation of a Teen Violence Subcommittee in January. Mesa Police Department also arrested a 17-year-old in connection with a May 29, 2023, attack.
In January, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office arrested 18-year-old Garrett Bagshaw for his alleged involvement in a November 18, 2023, assault. Mesa Police Department also arrested 18-year-old Christopher Fantastic for his alleged involvement in a May 29, 2023, attack.
On January 18th, Gilbert Police Chief Michael Soelberg held his first news conference addressing teen violence.
In January, three teens were arrested for multiple teen violence incidents in Gilbert, including a parking garage attack on December 3, 2022. Another arrest was made in connection with a November 22, 2022, assault near Higley and Riggs roads.
Gilbert police arrested two additional individuals for their alleged involvement in various assaults in December 2022.
From February 1st to 6th, Gilbert Police submitted additional drug charges to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office for Kyler Renner. Chandler Police also announced their investigations into teen violence cases, making it the fourth city in the East Valley to do so.
On February 7.
– Teen violence in East Valley
– Examining the prevalence of teen violence in East Valley.
