The Queen Creek Police Department (QCPD) said on Nov. 8 it has "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 Combs High School junior Preston Lord, 16, after he was leaving a Halloween party that got out of control near 194th Street and East Via Del Rancho Road in Queen Creek.
"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," QCPD said on Nov. 8.
On Nov. 6, QCPD gave the followinig update: "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," adding that they "will continue to post any updates regarding the Oct. 28 homicide investigation on QCPD's Facebook."
During a Nov. 1 press conference, QCPD said its waiting for the findings of the medical examiner, and that "the incident" is being investigated as a homicide: "QCPD is working several investigative leads. If you have eyewitness information or video of the assault, please call the non-emergency line at 480-358-3500."
“It is also imperative that all of these tips are vetted, particularly because there were multiple large gatherings that same evening and we’re getting video and other information from parties other than this incident,” said Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Brice. “Please do not post this information online. Send it directly to the police department. These public posts lead to the misidentification and targeting of individuals that may have nothing to do with this incident.”
QCPD has been seeking more information from the public after Preston was assaulted leaving a Queen Creek Halloween house party Oct. 28 near 194th Street and East Via Del Rancho Road. QCPD originally asked via Facebook for neighbors to come forward with any home surveillance camera footage that shows people or vehicles in the area between Ocotillo Road and Chandler Heights Boulevard and Sossaman and Hawes roads from between 6 and 10 p.m. on Oct. 28.
Preston died from what is being reported as "a severe brain injury" Oct. 30 at Phoenix Children's Hospital. Read more HERE.
On Nov. 9, the J.O. Combs Unified School District hosted a candlelight vigil in the Combs High School courtyard for students, families and community members to gather and honor Preston’s memory. Read more HERE.
As the Preston Lord GoFundMe account nears $100,000, his funeral services have been announced for Nov. 10-11:
Viewing
Friday, Nov. 10, from 4 to 8 p.m.
Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park, Palo Verde Building, 400 S. Power Road, in Mesa.
Memorial Service
Saturday, Nov. 11 at 10 a.m.
Mission Community Church, 4450 E. Elliot Road, in Gilbert.
Graveside Burial
Saturday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m.
Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park, 400 S. Power Road, in Mesa.
Reception
Saturday, Nov. 11 at 4 p.m.
Mission Community Church, 4450 E. Elliot Road, in Gilbert.
