QUEEN CREEK, AZ — Wednesday marked the first Queen Creek Town Council meeting since the police department recommended charges to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office in the homicide case of a 16-year-old boy.
Just before the meeting, Queen Creek Police Department officials confirmed, for the first time, that a video from the night Preston Lord was attacked was sent to them early into their investigation of the teen’s death.
The 16-year-old was beaten at a Halloween party in Queen Creek and later died.
A video sent to ABC15 shows the moments following the attack. ABC15 is not showing or sharing the video due to its graphic nature; however, police said they have interviewed the people who appear in the video. Those shown in the video are witnesses in the investigation, according to police.
FULL COVERAGE: East Valley teen violence
Queen Creek PD is urging people not to share the video online. The video and other people recorded that night could be potential evidence, police said.
Lord’s family has publicly asked anyone with information to come forward.
During the meeting, the Queen Creek Police Department said Lord's case is their top priority, and the investigation is still ongoing.
"A lot of the information that I would like to get across to the community and the media is just not appropriate to do because the investigation, having so many factors, if I release any of those items that could cause a problem with the investigation," said Chief Randy Brice.
But he said at the meeting accountability and arrests are coming.
TIMELINE: Attacks involving teens, young adults across the East Valley
Mayor Julia Wheatley also spoke at the meeting and thanked MCAO.
"We met just earlier this month, and I am absolutely confident that they will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law for such a senseless act of violence that took a precious young life," said Mayor Wheatley.
She said the town council is united, and Mayor Wheatley wanted to confirm their commitment to getting justice for Lord.
Chief Brice left the meeting before Investigator Nicole Grigg could ask him questions.
After the meeting, Mayor Wheatley was able to speak exclusively with ABC15 for the first time since police began investigating Lord’s death.
When asked what her message would be to community members with still no arrests in Lord’s case, Mayor Wheatley emphasized the investigation is still ongoing.
“We diligently want justice for Preston, and there is no way that I am willing to compromise a case or our detectives or any of our police,” said Mayor Wheatley. “So we comment to what we can. But having those direct lines of communication with other organizations and agencies or surrounding neighbors, that is where our police efforts need to be focused, as well as maintaining the safety within our community.”
After thanking MCAO during the town council meeting, Mayor Wheatley also told ABC15 she was part of a meeting with MCAO. Mayor Wheatley said she has the “utmost faith” in County Attorney Rachel Mitchell’s office and that she will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.
In December, the Queen Creek Police Department recommended charges against seven people potentially involved in Lord’s death. The Maricopa County Attorney told ABC15 the case is still under review.
Have a news tip related to teen violence in the East Valley? Email us at teenviolence@abc15.com
