The parents of a teenage gang member accused of murdering a 16-year-old on Halloween weekend in Queen Creek, Arizona, allegedly helped cover up the crime, according to police documents. The gang, known as the “Gilbert Goons,” consisted of seven members who have been charged in the murder of the victim, Preston Lord. One witness claimed that one of the suspects admitted to being the first to punch Lord at a party over a stolen necklace. The suspect’s parents, who owned multiple Orangetheory Fitness studios, allegedly took him to a lawyer and transported him to their cabin to avoid the police investigation.
Despite being investigated for the murder, one of the suspects was allowed to play in a football game at his high school less than two weeks after the crime. The suspect’s ex-girlfriend described him as holding in a lot of aggression and snapping when pushed too far. However, the school took measures to remove the suspect from campus and terminated the football coach following the incident. The suspects are all facing charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and aggravated robbery, but have all pleaded not guilty and are being held on a $1 million bond each. None of the suspects’ parents have been charged in connection with the murder.
The victim’s parents expressed their hope that the arrests of the suspects will bring accountability and justice for their son. The incident began with a report of an assault in Queen Creek, which led to Lord being found in the roadway with life-threatening injuries. He was transported to a hospital but died two days later from his injuries. The family attorney declined to provide any further comment due to the ongoing nature of the prosecution process. The suspects allegedly discussed the possibility of collecting a reward for information leading to an arrest in the case, indicating a potential lack of remorse for their actions.
Despite the seriousness of the charges, the suspects’ defense attorney did not immediately respond to inquiries from media outlets. As the case continues to unfold, the community is left shocked by the extent of the crime and the involvement of wealthy families in the cover-up of the murder. The suspects’ actions, including playing in a football game and discussing rewards for information, show a lack of remorse for their alleged involvement in the death of Lord. The legal proceedings will determine whether the suspects will face justice for their actions or if they will be able to evade punishment. The victim’s family continues to seek closure and justice for their son as they navigate the difficult process of dealing with the loss.
