Report: School knew student was rumored slay suspect

Apr. 7—American Leadership Academy Gilbert North officials were aware early in the investigation of Preston Lord's beating death that one of their student-athletes was possibly involved, according to a police report.

But despite widespread rumors, the school let Talan Renner, a 17-year-old junior running back continue to play for the school's football team.

According to the report released by Queen Creek Police, ALA Dean of Students Kenny Thorley informed law enforcement on Nov. 2 that Renner, was possibly involved in Preston's Oct. 28 beating at a Halloween party. He died two days later.

Renner and six other suspects are in jail awaiting trial on multiple criminal charges in the case, including first and second-degree murder.

Renner was not at school when Thorley notified police of what he had heard from students.

According to the report, Renner had been pulled from class on Oct. 31 by his mother, Rebecca Renner, who said it was due to "an illness."

A search warrant was executed on ALA Gilbert's campus as a result of the tip on Nov. 6, when Renner had returned to campus. Police confiscated Renner's cell phone in the process.

He was not arrested at that time. However the report indicates officers took photographs of cuts and slight discoloration on his hands, which corroborates tips received by numerous individuals that Renner was taken by his parents to their Show Low cabin following the October incident to let his hands heal.

According to the report, Lauri Spiker, the ex-girlfriend of Travis Renner, Talan's father, had contact with the ALA junior following the incident through SnapChat.

She told police the Renners were advised by an attorney to take their son up north.

The report, which is over 1,100 pages, details multiple forms of communication Renner and the six other defendants had following the Halloween party.

The day after the beating Renner allegedly shared details with Brigham Perry, Spiker's son.

According to Perry, who shared details with his mother, Renner called him on Oct. 29, the day after the beating took place. He said Perry Jacob Meisner, another suspect, threw the first punch, forcing Preston to the ground.

Renner then proceeded to get on top of him and "hammer punch" him multiple times in the head before kicking him, according to the police report.

Other reports made to police, however, claimed Renner threw the first punch. Renner said he then walked away, leaving others to continue the beating.

According to the report, Perry said Renner appeared remorseful. He was also emotional when he called Perry again a few days.

Perry confirmed to police Renner's involvement with the "Gilbert Goons," a group of predominately affluent teens who have been linked to multiple beatings for at least the last two years, including Lord's.

Renner also shared details immediately following the incident that night.

According to a police interview with Taylor Sherman, another suspect, Renner appeared to be "freaking out" as they left the party. Sherman told police Renner acknowledged his involvement in the beating, saying he "might have hospitalized that kid. I hit him pretty hard."

That same night, Renner wrote in a message, "Got in a fight ... killed a kid ... guess I don't know my own strength."

He wrote other posts in the days following the incident, including a SnapChat message that said, "I got in a fight, a big group fight and I accidentally killed a kid. I guess I'm just too strong."

He also allegedly boasted to friends about having a video recording of the beat down on his phone, claiming, "Oh, I put this kid on life support."

Despite the allegations that quickly spread around ALA Gilbert's campus and multiple cities, Renner was allowed to play in the Eagles' playoff game against Marana on Nov. 10. Renner had 10 carries for 47 yards in the Eagles' win.

He also suited up for ALA Gilbert's Nov. 17 playoff game against Horizon. Renner had 17 carries for 86 yards and was named the 'Player of the Game' by MaxPreps' automated system.

Andy Litten, the head coach at Horizon at the time, received an email from a concerned parent before the game detailing Renner's alleged involvement in the murder. Litten forwarded the email to his administration and SRO.

"The school for sure knew about it," Litten, who was recently hired as the head coach at Mountain View, wrote in an X post on March 29.

"As the coach of the opposing school in the football game, I was sent emails from concerned parents about how he was being allowed to play prior to the game happening."

Yet, despite concerns, Renner was allowed to play in the Eagles' loss to Horizon. Nearly two months later, ALA Gilbert head football coach and Athletic Director Randy Ricedorff was terminated.

At the time, ALA released few details about the reason for Ricedorff's termination. Sources close to the program who wished to remain anonymous told The Gilbert Sun News Ricedorff was being used as a "scapegoat."

ALA claims as new information about Renner's involvement came to light, the school moved swiftly to terminate Ricedorff for allowing him to continue playing.

According to a statement from ALA to 12News, ALA moved swiftly to terminate Ricedorff and remove Renner from the school after new information came to light in January.

"As new evidence came to light, measures were taken to remove the student from our school and we terminated the football coach," the statement read.

An email by this newspaper requesting further comment from ALA was not returned.

Renner pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on March 13. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 30.