The Queen Creek Police Department (QCPD) said on Friday it continues to move forward on the Preston Lord homicide investigation.
During the Dec. 6 Queen Creek Town Council meeting, Mayor Julia Wheatley and the Town Council recognized both Preston and the Lord family during a moment of silence.
“We have and we will continue to have moments of silence in Preston’s honor. I absolutely condemn this senseless act. Those that are responsible must be held accountable,” said Mayor Wheatley. “Seeking justice for Preston is the Queen Creek Police Department’s top priority.”
At Wednesday night's meeting, QCPD Chief Randy Brice gave an update to the Town Council and the public in attendance.
“I understand that everybody wants an arrest and I assure you that our top priority is that arrest. We continue the investigation so that when we make the actual arrest, the county attorney can work towards that conviction. We would like to provide a definitive timeline, but what I can say is there are many factors that have to be addressed and investigated. We are waiting for the medical examiner’s report, which has not been provided yet and may still be months out. Providing a tip, a name or other information is just the beginning of the investigative process; we have to gather evidence, corroborate testimony and make the proper connections. In this sort of case, we actually have to demonstrate the causality with evidence. In other words, we have to have evidence to show how an action by a person or persons results in the outcome that we saw in this case. What I can share with you is this is a complex investigation and will be a complex prosecution," said Brice.
QCPD stated that more than 50 search warrants have been served, resulting in an extensive amount of information that must be analyzed and reviewed. On Friday, QCPD said it is focused on bringing justice for Preston and will release more information on the investigative process once it is appropriate to do so and without compromising the outcome of the investigation. Additional updates will be provided once an arrest has been made, according to a press release.
“Bringing justice for Preston comes through holding those responsible accountable. We at the police department are heartbroken but dedicated to resolving this situation,” added Brice. “We stand with the family of Preston. And we will not rest until we have a resolution.”
Friday's update from QCPD said the incident occurred on Oct. 28 and that at 9:49 p.m. QCPD received a 911 call in regards to an assault in the area of 194th Street and Via Del Rancho. Officers arrived on scene in approximately three minutes, they said. QCPD discovered Preston Lord, 16, in the roadway; he was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. On Oct. 30, Preston passed away in the hospital.
New tips can be submitted through the following:
● Anonymous tips, including images and video regarding the incident, can be submitted to QCPD at p3tips.com/952.
● Photos or video evidence can be submitted to fbi.gov/prestonlord. The FBI's toll-free tip line is available at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
● Tips can also be sent directly to QCPD at 480-358-3575 or QCPDInvestigators@QueenCreekAZ.gov.
