Preston Lord's murder suspects appear in court for the first time in months
The Brief
The seven suspects accused in the death of 16-year-old Preston Lord appeared in court on Feb. 5.
They're accused of beating Lord to death in October 2023 during a Halloween party.
MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. - The suspects charged in the killing of 16-year-old Preston Lord appeared in court Wednesday morning for the first time in months.
All seven of the suspects are pleading not guilty and are facing first degree murder charges. Some are also facing robbery charges.
In court on Feb. 5, 2025, attorneys discussed the large amount of evidence and interviews they're going through.
The court says the state is still narrowing down which electronic evidence will be used in the upcoming trial.
Another hearing is set for May and the trial is scheduled to begin in July.
The backstory
Lord was found beaten in Queen Creek after attending a Halloween party on Oct. 28, 2023. He died two days later at a hospital.
In February 2024, his death was officially ruled as a homicide by the medical examiner.
Lord's case has raised attention to teen violence happening in the East Valley, including the group known as the "Gilbert Goons," who have been declared as an official criminal street gang.
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