Theft of cheap gold-chain necklace may have led to fatal beating of Arizona teen, authorities say

Authorities say the theft of a cheap gold chain necklace last year led to the fatal beating of a teenage boy during a Halloween party in suburban Phoenix, Arizona

PHOENIX — Seven suspects have been charged with murder in the fatal beating of a teenage boy at a Halloween party in Arizona last year, possibly started over the theft of a cheap gold chain necklace, authorities said.

Four males between the ages of 18 and 20 and three 17-year-old male juveniles were taken into custody on Thursday and Friday in connection with the October 30 death of 16-year-old Preston Lord.

Prosecutors said the seven suspects are all charged with first-degree murder and are being held on $1 million bail in connection with the attack in the Phoenix suburb of Queen Creek. Some suspects have also been charged with kidnapping or aggravated robbery, according to court documents.

An unsealed indictment released Friday by the Maricopa County Prosecutor’s Office accuses some of the suspects of carrying out the assault while trying to take a second victim’s property.

County Attorney Rachel Mitchell told the Arizona Republic that one of Lord’s friends “had a necklace with a locket on it that was taken from him.”

Lord and his unknown friend tried to get the necklace back and a chase and confrontation ensued, according to Mitchell. The teen was left on the side of a street.

Lord died in hospital from his injuries two days after the gang-style attack. Last month his death was ruled a homicide.

Other details of the case have not yet been released as the Queen Creek Police Department statement remains sealed.

The arrests follow a series of violent attacks on young people outside fast food restaurants and at parties, parks and car parks by a group calling themselves the ‘Gilbert Goons’.

Local residents have held vigils and rallies to protest what they describe as rising violence in Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler and other Phoenix suburbs.