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Medical examiner rules Preston Lord’s death a ‘homicide’

QCPD posts on its social media two photos of a vehicle and said they are "seeking assistance from the public in identifying a potential witness to another incident that occurred on Oct. 28, 2023 near the scene of the homicide. This vehicle is believed to have been parked on 194th Street, north of Via Del Oro."
Kelly Mixer

On Wednesday, Feb. 14, the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner (OME) completed, but has not yet released, its report into the death of 16-year-old Preston Lord. His cause of death has officially been ruled a "homicide."

The Queen Creek Police Department (QCPD) said on Nov. 8, 2023 it had "executed several search warrants related to investigative leads and continues to work towards an arrest" in the Oct. 28 assault that resulted in the Oct. 30 death of the Combs High School junior after he was leaving a Halloween party that got out of control near 194th Street and East Via Del Rancho Road in Queen Creek.

After the OME ruling, Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Brice released the following statement: "On Wednesday, Feb. 14, the Maricopa County Medical Examiner completed their report related to Preston Lord and specified the manner of death as homicide. The medical examiner's report is an important component of the investigative process. The findings are consistent with our investigation and support the charges submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office (MCAO). The MCAO now has that report as they continue to review the charges submitted by QCPD related to the homicide of Preston Lord. Any new tips can be submitted at p3tips.com/952."

On Thursday, Feb. 15, QCPD posted on its Facebook page two photos of a vehicle and said they are "seeking assistance from the public in identifying a potential witness to another incident that occurred on Oct. 28, 2023 near the scene of the homicide. This vehicle is believed to have been parked on 194th Street, north of Via Del Oro. If you have information on this vehicle or the driver, please contact QCPD through one of the following: 480-358-3575 or QCPDInvestigators@QueenCreekAZ.gov. Anonymous tips, including images and video, can be submitted to QCPD at p3tips.com/952."

On Feb. 7, the Lord family released the following statement through DeFusco Law, LLC., the law firm representing them: “After an initial meeting, the Maricopa County Attorney continues to provide us with updates on her office’s review of the case involving the death of our son, Preston Lord. The loss of our son is impossible to bear, and we understand that there is work to be done to achieve justice for Preston. We are exercising patience to ensure the best possible outcome and ask members of the community and the media to do the same. We are grateful for the outpouring of support and appreciate the upstanding individuals who have provided information to law enforcement.”