As the second-month anniversary approaches in the fatal assault of a Combs High School student at a Queen Creek party, Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Brice released a powerful and candid statement thanking “those parents and children that have come forward to provide information or details related to this case. However, some parents have actively refused to let their children participate in the investigation. We need people to come forward and stand up for Preston.”

Brice issued the statement on Thursday.

Preston Lord, 16, was severely beaten at a Queen Creek house party on Oct. 28. He died of his injuries on Oct. 30.

“I also want to assure the community that we will continue to investigate all leads and submit charges for those who were involved with the Oct. 28 attack, regardless of connections to businesses, wealth, religious affiliation or political party,” the statement continued.

Brice asserted that the “homicide investigation is the top priority for our department. We are continuing to work toward arrest(s), and are actively following up on all leads.”

Brice added that he understood how “incredibly frustrating” it must be for the public that no arrests have been made and he reiterated that the case is complex, and evidence presented to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office “must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt — social media posts are not enough — they must be authenticated and corroborated.”

Brice stated that QCPD is leading the investigation into Lord’s killing and continues to work with neighboring law enforcement agencies and the FBI.

“And while this is an independent investigation of the incident that occurred on Oct. 28, we are working with our neighboring jurisdictions and federal partners to identify any other incidents or evidence that could aid in our case,” he stated.

Brice added that QCPD is deploying extra patrols in “common areas where teens are known to congregate.”

“We partner with our schools, businesses and other community leaders to reinforce safety and encourage parents to talk to their kids. Parents should know where their children are and be aware of their online activity,” he stated.

Brice also said teens should be encouraged to tell the police or a trusted adult when they see any illegal behavior and to leave places or situations that feel unsafe or dangerous.

“In my 30-plus years in law enforcement I have investigated a range of crimes — as the Queen Creek police chief, as a member of this community, and as a father; this homicide investigation is one of the most impactful. We will continue to work toward arrests and convictions of all of those responsible for the tragic death of Preston Lord.”

He asked youngsters who are “being threatened or feel unsafe” to contact QCPD. Anonymous tips including images and video regarding the Lord case can be submitted to QCPD at https://p3tips.com/952.

We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org. Janet Perez can be reached at jperez@iniusa.org.