‘THIS POLICE INVESTIGATION IS EXTENSIVE, INTRICATE AND COMPLEX’
OUT OF CONTROL
The unnamed homeowner – who may face potential criminal charges – spoke to US press after Preston’s tragic death. He revealed many of the partygoers were total strangers, saying, “My daughter did not know more than half the people who ended up showing up to our house. It was not meant to be an open party.”
He added, “This has been very hard – we can’t sleep. We are just constantly thinking about [Preston] and his family.”
According to their neighbours, things spiralled out of control after teenagers from multiple schools showed up. One eyewitness told US news crews, “[There were] open containers, alcohol, drinking. I had teenagers puking in my front yard. We were taking care of them.” Police were first called to a disturbance at around 9pm, but finding nothing, they left to go to another scene. However, after receiving a report of an assault, they returned to the property and found Preston severely injured – at one point, the teenager’s heart stopped. Paramedics rushed him to the hospital, where he was found to have a severe brain injury. He died on 30 October.
Despite soon receiving a number of anonymous tip-offs suggesting identities for the multiple assailants, it took months for the police to piece together exactly what had transpired, leading to widespread criticism about the lack of progress. In November, the Queen Creek Police Department issued a statement saying, “We are continuing to make progress on the homicide investigation as a result of the incident that took place on 28 October. While the police department needs probable cause for an arrest, a successful prosecution requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
This investigation is extensive, intricate and complex, and it continues to be a top priority for the department, ensuring thoroughness and accuracy.
“We understand the community wants an arrest, or more information about why an arrest has not taken place. While we cannot release information that could compromise the prosecution of this case, I want to reiterate that we want more than just an arrest. We want to ensure that those involved are convicted. We remain committed to helping bring justice to the individuals who participated in this terrible crime.
We appreciate the community’s patience and the outpouring of support for the family as they grieve the senseless loss of Preston.”
ARRESTS
By March 2024, after compiling a 1,100-page police report, officers arrested seven suspects, six of them teenagers: Dominic Turner, 20, Taylor Sherman, 19, William Owen Hines,
18, Treston Billey, 18, Talan Renner,
17, Talyn Vigil, 17, and Jacob Meisner, 17. They have all been charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping, and all have pleaded not guilty. Turner, Meisner and Billey have also been charged with aggravated robbery, because it’s believed the attack was triggered by a friend of Preston’s having their necklace stolen while at the party. While it isn’t clear exactly how Preston became embroiled, it has been reported he was punched by Renner first, before the rest of the group joined in a vicious attack in which he was punched, kicked and stomped on.
Last month, text messages said to be taken from the police report were published in the US. It’s alleged Renner sent a text saying, “Got in a fight... killed a kid. Guess I don’t know my own strength”, while Vigil allegedly sent a private message stating, “I hit a kid and this kid hit his head and then they kicked his head in the ground then I got word he died.” Other messages reportedly stated, “Talan killed someone with his hands”, and “Bro, that kid died”.
After the arrests, Preston’s parents Nick Lord and Autumn Curiel issued a statement honouring their son. It read, “Preston Lord was a beloved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, and friend to many – always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
He was doing the right thing, but was in the wrong place at the wrong time, in a neighbourhood where he had always felt safe.
His parents each shared a close bond and relationship with him. The emptiness left in his absence is a constant reminder of the easy-going and generous soul that they have lost.
“Preston was a National Honour student, student council member, and three-sport athlete. He was looking forward to his basketball try-outs the following Monday. Instead, his life ended violently, extinguishing all his potential. Nick and Autumn will never witness him blossom into the remarkable human he was. They now grapple with the harsh reality of his demise. The milestones they anticipated celebrating with Preston will never come to fruition. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare.” ■