Investigation into killing of San Tan Valley teen yields 200 tips so far, no arrests

Calling the investigation “extensive, intricate, and complex,” the Queen Creek Police Department provided an update Wednesday evening in the beating death of a 16-year-old San Tan Valley teen in Queen Creek.

Preston Lord, who attended Combs High School, was assaulted while at a house party in Queen Creek on Oct. 28. He died of his injuries on Oct. 30.

OCPD stated it has received more than 200 tips, conducted “hundreds” of interviews with dozens of follow ups and has served 49 search warrants as of today.

“We understand the community wants an arrest or more information about why an arrest has not taken place,” stated QCPD’s Chief of Police Randy Brice in a press release. “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 outpouring of support for the family as they grieve the senseless loss of Preston.”

The investigation continues to be a top priority while “ensuring thoroughness and accuracy,” according to the release.

Of the more than 200 tips received and processed, 29 came through the FBI, which was called in by QCPD to assist in analyzing data.

“Each and every tip has to be reviewed, assigned, investigated, and documented. It is important to note not all tips lead to significant breakthroughs in the investigation. However, this does not diminish the importance of the information shared, but reflects the complexity of the investigative process” the release stated.

QCPD stated that it is committed to transparency and more information will be shared with the public in time.

“However, due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, specific details cannot be disclosed at this time to protect the integrity of the process,” the release stated.

At 9:49 p.m. on Oct. 28, QCPD received a 911 call regarding an assault in the area of 194th Street and Via Del Rancho.

Officers arrived on scene in approximately three minutes and found Lord in the road. He was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, dying two days later.

New tips can be submitted through the following:

• Anonymous tips including images and video regarding the incident can be submitted to QCPD at https://p3tips.com/952.
• Photos or video evidence can be submitted to http://www.fbi.gov/prestonlord. The FBI's toll-free tipline is available at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
• Tips can also be sent directly to QCPD at 480-358-3575 or at QCPDInvestigators@QueenCreekAZ.gov.