A bill calling for more serious charges against people who take part in group attacks on individuals — like those involved in the death of a San Tan Valley teen in 2023 — was introduced Thursday at the Arizona Legislature.
The bill, dubbed “Preston’s Law,” would make the act of committing an assault with the help of two or more accomplices a class 4 felony rather than a class 6 felony.
The proposed legislation is named after Preston Lord, a 16-year-old San Tan Valley teen who suffered fatal injuries after he was beaten by a group of young men during a 2023 Halloween house party in Queen Creek.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, alongside state Rep. Matt Gress, R-Phoenix, announced the bill’s introduction during a press conference at the State Capitol.
Lord, a Combs High School student, was severely beaten on Oct. 28, 2023. He died of his injuries on Oct. 30. Seven young men, who authorities say were part of a group called the Gilbert Goons, have been arrested and charged with murder in Lord’s death.
During the press conference, Gress, who is the bill’s primary sponsor, talked about deficiencies in the current law and why it has to change.
“This legislation is a direct response to the horrific events that devastated the Lord of family and our community. It aims to hold offenders accountable while sending a strong message that these acts will not be tolerated,” Gress said.
The bill targets what Gress called organized violence, offering more penalties for groups of people who commit assault, as well as providing resources for police investigating such crimes.
Preston’s Law will create a new category of aggravated assault, referred to as “swarming,” that occurs when an attacker has two or more accomplices “who are actually present when the attack occurs,” according to a press release from Mitchell’s office.
The bill would also make swarming attacks a class 4 felony, rather than a class six felony which can be treated as a misdemeanor.
“This is, for the most part, what we have seen arise in teen violence — three, four, five individuals ganging up on one person. I would also point out that this applies to more than juveniles. It applies to adults as well,” Mitchell said. “As a prosecutor, I can tell you that the mob and group-like mentality is significantly more dangerous for the victim and that’s why this needs to be reflected in the law.”
Additional bill sponsors include Republican House Majority Whip Julie Willoughby, R-Chandler, as well as state representatives Laurin Hendrix, R-Gilbert; Michael Way, R-Queen Creek; and Jeff Weninger, R-Chandler.
Gress also announced that a separate bill sponsored by Weninger to protect witnesses was also introduced.
“This legislation addresses a critical issue that arose during the investigation where some of the teens who cooperated with law enforcement in Preston’s case were bullied and threatened for speaking with police,” Gress said. “House Bill 2653 would allow law enforcement to keep witnesses names confidential, protecting their safety and encouraging others to come forward without fear of retaliation."
Preston Lord’s parents, Nick Lord and Autumn Curiel, attended the press conference.
“Had our son had the opportunity to defend himself when he was violently assaulted, he could have lived out all of his hopes and dreams. Instead, he tragically suffered a brutal attack by a group of people where he was restrained,” Curiel said. “It is still deeply shocking to think that such a cruel and senseless act was inflicted upon our beloved son. We hope stronger laws can prevent any future devastating acts from occurring, ensuring no one else is robbed of their life potential and vitality.”
Gress’ intention to introduce Preston’s Law was first announced Sept. 11 in Queen Creek in a press conference attended by Gress, Mitchell, Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley and Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Brice.
Please send your comments about this article to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines. Janet Perez can be reached at jperez@iniusa.org.
Janet Perez News Editor | Queen Creek &
San Tan Valley
Meet Janet Janet Perez joined Independent Newsmedia as editor of the Queen Creek Independent and Florence Independent in 2020. She started her career in 1989 with the Gannett-owned El Paso Times. In 1992, she moved to Tempe and has worked in newspapers, magazines, radio and television. She left Arizona for three years to work at New Mexico State University and Baylor University before returning to work at Arizona State University. Missing the business, she went back to journalism in 2017.
Community: A long-time pet owner, she supports animal welfare causes.
Education: University of Texas at El Paso with a BA in journalism and a minor in political science.
Random Fact: She had a head full of random facts.
Hobbies: Reading, watching documentaries, cooking and playing with her dogs.
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