10/31/2023
Please contact QCPD if your child was at the party or if you live around and have video footage as a combs high school student was killed at this party.
Update - Dec. 8
The Queen Creek Police Department (QCPD) continues to move forward on the homicide investigation as a result of the incident that took place on Oct. 28.
During the Dec. 6 Town Council meeting, Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley and the Town Council recognized Preston and his family during the 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” stated Queen Creek Mayor, Julia Wheatley. “Seeking justice for Preston is the Queen Creek Police Department’s top priority.”
QCPD Chief Brice stated, “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."
More than 50 search warrants have been served resulting in an extensive amount of information that must be analyzed and reviewed. QCPD 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.
“Bringing justice for Preston comes through holding those responsible accountable. We at the police department are heartbroken but dedicated to resolving this situation,” stated QCPD Chief Brice. “We stand with the family of Preston. And we will not rest until we have a resolution.”
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 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 [email protected].
Full release: www.QueenCreekAZ.gov/QCPDUpdate
Link to Town Council meeting: www.QueenCreekAZ.gov/WatchMeetings
Update - Nov. 29
The Queen Creek Police Department (QCPD), is continuing to make progress on the homicide investigation as a result of the incident that took place on Oct. 28.
While the police department needs probable cause for an arrest, successful prosecution requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt. This investigation is extensive, intricate, and complex. And it continues to be a top priority for the department, ensuring thoroughness and accuracy.
“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. “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 community walk that was held last night was a true showing of support from our community for the family.”
To date, more than 200 tips have been received and processed, including 29 through the FBI. 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.
Hundreds of interviews have been conducted resulting in dozens of follow-ups and additional investigative actions. As of today, 49 search warrants have been served. The evidence gathered from these actions requires extensive analysis and review. QCPD is committed to transparency, and there will be a time later in the process when more information can be shared. However, due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, specific details cannot be disclosed at this time to protect the integrity of the process.
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 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 [email protected].
Full release: www.QueenCreekAZ.gov/QCPDUpdate
Update - Nov. 22
The Queen Creek Police Department (QCPD) continues to move forward on the homicide investigation as a result of the incident that took place on Oct. 28.
While specific details cannot be released at this time to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, significant progress has been made.
QCPD Chief Brice reiterated “We understand the community is grieving the loss of a child and you want an arrest. We do too. This was a heinous crime and we are committed to holding those involved accountable. Due to the nature of the incident, it is imperative that we conduct a thorough investigation that provides a foundation for a strong case in court, which is ultimately necessary for a conviction. As your Chief of Police and as a parent, my heart is heavy, especially as we go into the holidays. We continue to focus on justice for Preston and his family.”
The incident occurred on Oct. 28. At 9:49 p.m. QCPD received a 911 call in regards to an assault in the area of 194th St. and Via Del Rancho. Officers arrived on scene in approximately three minutes. QCPD discovered a juvenile victim in the roadway; he was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. On Monday, Oct. 30 he passed away in the hospital.
To date, hundreds of tips have been received including 21 through the FBI tipline.
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 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 [email protected].
Full release: www.QueenCreekAZ.gov/QCPDUpdate
Update - Nov. 14
The Queen Creek Police Department (QCPD) has identified multiple persons of interest in the homicide investigation of an assault that took place on Oct. 28 near 194th St. and Via Del Rancho.
QCPD Chief Brice stated, “We are committed to finding justice for Preston. Our Investigators are determined and dedicated to solving this case. However, we want more than just an arrest. We want to ensure that those involved are convicted of the crime.”
In addition to receiving hundreds of tips, the investigation has included extensive interviews, warrants, and court orders. Since the incident occurred, a significant amount of data has been processed and analyzed. As the search warrants and court orders continue to be executed, substantial amounts of additional data must be reviewed to identify possible items of evidence that further corroborate the investigative leads.
QCPD continues to work on balancing the need for prompt results while ensuring a thorough investigation. With the amount of data that is being processed and analyzed, QCPD continues to utilize other local law enforcement agencies, including the Phoenix Field Office of the FBI. In addition to the analysis support, QCPD has partnered with the FBI to provide another tipline and a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and/or conviction of those involved.
While the FBI is assisting with resources, QCPD remains the law enforcement entity handling the investigation. Chief Brice reiterated, “Parents, we are asking you to talk to your kids. If they have direct evidence related to this case, we need you to come forward. For those who attended this party or saw the incident, if you are being threatened or you are scared to say something, please talk to your parents or someone you trust. Do the right thing and help us bring justice for Preston and his family.”
Photos or video evidence can be submitted to www.fbi.gov/prestonlord. The FBI's Toll-Free tipline is available at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
UPDATE - Nov. 8
The Queen Creek Police Department (QCPD) is continuing their homicide investigation of the incident that took place on Oct. 28 near 194th St. and Via Del Rancho. QCPD has executed several search warrants related to investigative leads and continues to work towards an arrest. We understand that the community wants quick resolution - as a police department, we are committed to a thorough investigation to hold the appropriate people accountable and bring justice to the family.
UPDATE - Nov. 6
The Queen Creek Police Department (QCPD) is continuing their investigation of an incident that took place on Oct. 28 near 194th St. and Via Del Rancho. The homicide investigation continues to be very active. It is complex and far reaching due to the amount of people involved. While no arrests have been made yet, the investigation continues to move forward with a focus on bringing justice to the family.
UPDATE - Nov. 1
A link to the media briefing is available here: https://www.facebook.com/QueenCreekPolice/videos/213327095113198
The updated release is available here:
https://www.queencreekaz.gov/Home/Components/News/News/12936/13
The Queen Creek Police Department (QCPD) is continuing their investigation of an incident that took place on Oct. 28 near 194th St. and Via Del Rancho. While QCPD is waiting for the findings of the medical examiner, the incident is being investigated as a homicide. QCPD is working several investigative leads. If you have information regarding the incident, please send tips directly to 480-358-3575 or [email protected].
Anonymous tips including images and video can be submitted at https://p3tips.com/952.
UPDATE – Oct. 31
QCPD is currently conducting a death investigation of a juvenile related to an incident that occurred on Oct. 28.
No arrests have been made. QCPD is continuing the extensive and active investigation, including awaiting the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s findings.
Due to the nature of the investigation, we are asking the public to send tips to the email address or call, particularly details that contain the names of juveniles. If you have information regarding the incident, please send tips directly to 480-358-3575 or [email protected].
Anonymous tips including images and video can be submitted at https://p3tips.com/952.
Reference case number 2023-26401.
Full release: www.QueenCreekAZ.gov/QCPDUpdate
ORIGINAL POST:
QCPD Seeking Video Assistance:
QCPD is seeking assistance in obtaining any video of subjects or vehicles in the area between Ocotillo/Chandler Heights and Sossaman/Hawes on Oct. 28 between 6 and 10 p.m. related to an assault. If you have information regarding the incident, please send tips directly to 480-358-3575 or [email protected].
Anonymous tips including images and video can be submitted at https://p3tips.com/952.
