Timeline: Preston Lord investigation, 'Gilbert Goons' attacks stun Phoenix area
After the death of Preston Lord in late October, The Arizona Republic began investigating a string of vicious, blitz-style attacks by a group of affluent teenagers known as the "Gilbert Goons," who threaten and intimidate their targets into silence.
Parents, students and community activists say members of the Goons were involved in the killing of Lord, who died two days after being beaten and left on the side of the street in a Queen Creek neighborhood.
Queen Creek police confirmed Dec. 28 they were seeking criminal charges against seven "adults and juveniles" in Lord's death.
On March 6, a Maricopa County grand jury indicted Treston Billey, 18, William "Owen" Hines, 18, Jacob Meisner, 17, Talan Renner, 17, Taylor Sherman, 19, Dominic Turner, 20, and Talyn Vigil, 17, in connection with Lord's death.
The Republic has documented 18 attacks involving members of the Goons, although several more are alleged by parents and students. At least seven attacks occurred at the Gilbert In-N-Out Burger at San Tan Village Parkway and East Williams Field Road.
But police never put the attacks under the same umbrella or tied them to the Goons, interviews and court records show. Even when police arrested a Goon for two vicious attacks with brass knuckles in 2022, officers did not tie him to the larger group of assailants described by victims.
The Republic does not normally name juveniles accused of crimes unless they are charged as adults.
Brass knuckles, beatings, fear: Random attacks on teens loom over Preston Lord killing
The Republic has assembled its findings so far about the death of Lord and the Gilbert Goons into a timeline of events. This timeline will be updated as the investigation advances.
Timeline of events related to Preston Lord's death and the Gilbert Goons
Sept. 21, 2021: Goon arrested after shoplifting allegations
15-year-old Tyler Freeman, later involved in multiple attacks, was arrested on allegations of shoplifting. Police said he stole a display of vape pens from Circle K valued at $1,900. Police reported that he ran from the store and ignored officers who told him to stop. He was charged with shoplifting, which was later dismissed.
Jan. 25, 2022: Goon accused of marijuana possession
Tyler Freeman, 15, was accused of marijuana possession. He was sentenced to a diversion program.
Dec. 17, 2022: Party assault in Gilbert
Lori Nitzen's 16-year-old son was beaten unconscious by a group of Goons at a party in Gilbert. The Goon, Tyler Freeman, was named by police as the attacker and was later charged. Gilbert police did not connect him to the Goons.
Dec. 30, 2022: In-N-Out Burger assault in Gilbert
Stephanie Jarnagan's 16-year-old son was attacked outside the Gilbert In-N-Out Burger. The attackers demanded money and threatened to take her son's car, she said. He was hit in the head with brass knuckles and badly hurt. He needed emergency treatment that required staples in his skull. Two Goons were arrested in the assault. Only one — Tyler Freeman — was charged.
April 2023: Sentencing in attack on Nitzen and Jarnagan's sons
Tyler Freeman, now 16, is sentenced for aggravated robbery and aggravated assault. He acknowledged multiple instances of planning assaults for no reason, according to court records. He was detained for more than three months and then put on probation.
Aug. 18, 2023: Another Gilbert In-N-Out Burger assault
Richard Kuehner's 16-year-old son was attacked at the Gilbert In-N-Out Burger by a group of teens. The attackers confronted Kuehner's son with a barrage of questions before assaulting him, Kuehner said. The attack was caught on video.
Oct. 28, 2023: Halloween party in Queen Creek and Lord attack
Officers arrived about 9 p.m. at 194th Street and Via del Oro after a report of a "juvenile disturbance." They saw the teenagers but apparently didn't see the party and said they did not notice any illegal activity. Officers were called out of the neighborhood for a "high priority" domestic violence report, officials said. But they were back 49 minutes later after receiving a 911 call about an assault just a few houses away from the first call. They found Lord severely beaten, and he was taken to a hospital. Queen Creek police started investigating the assault.
Oct. 30, 2023: Preston Lord dies
Lord died at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Queen Creek police launched a homicide investigation. The investigation into Lord's death is the department's first homicide case.
Nov. 6, 2023: Police search 4 houses in Gilbert neighborhood
Officers, led by Queen Creek police, targeted four houses, according to neighbors. Police escorted residents from their homes, letting them sit on curbs as investigators carried out heavy paper evidence bags. The Republic verified the four addresses where searches took place through interviews and photographs provided by neighbors. The names of four boys living in the homes correspond to social media connected to members of the Goons. Two of the boys, Talan Renner and Jacob Meisner, were later charged in connection with Preston Lord's death.
Nov. 9, 2023: Candlelight vigil for Lord
Lord was a popular student at Combs High School in nearby San Tan Valley, where he served on the student council and played basketball, football and golf. More than 100 people participated in the vigil for Lord at the school. Dozens of lit candles lined the floor of the school's courtyard as Lord's friends and family shared anecdotes, remembering him as kind and considerate, someone they looked up to.
Nov. 14, 2023: Queen Creek police partner with FBI
Queen Creek police announced a partnership with the FBI to offer a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of people involved in the assault on Lord. The FBI also offered data analysis and a second tip line. Queen Creek police officials said the department had identified multiple "persons of interest."
Nov. 18, 2023: Video of park attack recorded
A cellphone video of Goons attacking a boy in San Tan Mountain Regional Park was recorded in mid-November. It was shared among a group of high school students. In December, it was posted widely on social media. The Pinal County Sheriff's Office is the investigating agency.
Nov. 22, 2023: Queen Creek police offer update
Queen Creek police officials said "significant progress" had been made in their homicide investigation. Specific details could not be released, they said, to protect the integrity of the case. "We understand the community is grieving the loss of a child and you want an arrest. We do too," Queen Creek police Chief Randy Brice said.
Nov. 28, 2023: Hundreds march to 'light up the night' for Lord
Hundreds of community members, family and friends of Lord marched along Queen Creek thoroughfares to mark the one-month anniversary of the attack that led to his death.
Nov. 29, 2023: Gathering 'proof beyond a reasonable doubt'
The day after hundreds of people marched down sidewalks in Queen Creek to mark the one-month anniversary of the attack that led to the death of Preston Lord, the town's Police Department assured the community it is working to obtain "proof beyond a reasonable doubt" to ensure successful prosecutions. "We understand the community wants an arrest or more information about why an arrest has not taken place," Queen Creek police Chief Randy Brice said in a statement. "While we cannot release information that could compromise the prosecution of this case, I want to reiterate that we want more than just an arrest. We want to ensure that those involved are convicted."
Dec. 6, 2023: Police chief, Town Council address community
Finding justice for Preston Lord was Queen Creek's top priority, Mayor Julia Wheatley said at the outset of a Town Council meeting. Police Chief Randy Brice said the department was awaiting a medical examiner's report about Lord that could be months away because of the complexity of the case.
Dec. 12, 2023: Violence discussed at Gilbert council meeting
Gilbert police Chief Michael Soelberg acknowledged feelings of fear and frustration in the community. He said it would be inappropriate to comment about the Queen Creek Police Department's investigation into Lord's death. He encouraged people to report any concerns about violence in Gilbert to his department.
Dec. 16, 2023: Gilbert police reopen Goon attack case
Gilbert police reopened a shelved investigation into the beating of a student by members of the Gilbert Goons after an Arizona Republic report. The boy's father said on Dec. 15 that police notified him the case was active again after it had been set aside as "inactive pending additional investigative leads."
Dec. 27, 2023: Goon ex-girlfriend recounts deadly party
Karli Heinmiller's daughter met with Queen Creek detectives at the scene of the fatal Halloween beating of Preston Lord to walk through what she witnessed. The girl, 16, had been waiting in a car when her then-boyfriend, Talyn Vigil, climbed in and said, "I knocked that kid out," according to Heinmiller.
Dec. 28, 2023: Gilbert police confirm 4 teen cases reopened
The Gilbert Police Department confirmed it reopened four criminal investigations involving teens, including attacks by members of the "Gilbert Goons." Two of the reopened Gilbert cases were attacks documented by The Republic. The other two were labeled as "threats" by the department.
Dec. 28, 2023: Charges sought against 7 people in Lord's death
Queen Creek police are seeking criminal charges against seven "adults and juveniles" in the beating death of 16-year-old Preston Lord. Department officials confirmed they made multiple criminal referrals to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. The county attorney will review the submissions and determine who should be charged and for what.
Dec. 28, 2023: Marchers seek justice for Lord, other victims
A sea of orange swept through Gilbert as marchers wearing orange glow sticks for bracelets and necklaces called for justice for 16-year-old victim Preston Lord and other victims of violent attacks. People carried signs saying, "Be an Upstander. Don't just stand by ... If you know something SAY SOMETHING!!!"
Jan. 8, 2024: Police explore whether 'Goons' are street gang under Arizona law
Gilbert police announced they were working with multiple agencies to determine if the Goons were a gang under Arizona law. Members of a criminal street gang can be charged with a felony for participating in the gang. If they commit a felony offense, like aggravated assault, "at the direction of or in association with any criminal street gang," the street gang member can be charged with the added felony of "assisting a criminal street gang."
Jan. 9, 2024: Gilbert creates subcommittee on teen violence
The Gilbert Town Council approved the creation of a council subcommittee to investigate teen violence, and the police chief confirmed the department had nine active investigations related to teen violence.
Jan. 10, 2024: 3 adults, 2 juveniles arrested in 'Goon' attacks
The Pinal County Sheriff's Office and Gilbert police separately arrested three adults and two juveniles in two attacks. Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb announced that deputies arrested 20-year-old Jacob Pennington of Gilbert in a Nov. 18 group beating of a 16-year-old Casteel High School student near San Tan Mountain Regional Park. Gilbert police confirmed the arrests of four people in the Aug. 18 beating of a teenager at the Gilbert In-N-Out Burger. Christopher Fantastic, 18, and Aris Arredondo, 18, and two juveniles face assault and robbery charges. The case involved the beating of Richard Kuehner’s then-16-year-old son.
Jan. 11, 2024: Teen arrested in Mesa had home searched in Lord case
Mesa police arrested 17-year-old Jacob Meisner in connection with a May 29 assault, which was not reported until Jan. 4. The juvenile is tied to other cases of Goon attacks. His house was one of four that was searched in November in connection to Preston Lord's death.
Jan. 12, 2024: Second arrest made in Pinal County beating
Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb announced that Garrett Bagshaw, 18, was arrested in connection with a Nov. 18 group beating of a 16-year-old Casteel High School student near San Tan Mountain Regional Park. Bagshaw was the second person arrested in connection with the attack. Jacob Pennington, 20, was the first.
Jan. 17, 2024: Teen punished in 2022 for Gilbert attack arrested again on related charge
Gilbert police arrested 17-year-old Tyler Freeman on suspicion of burglary in the Dec. 17, 2022, attack on Lori Nitzen's son. The juvenile was previously charged and sentenced for his part in the attack. The new arrest came after the case was reopened at the end of December.
Jan. 18, 2024: Gilbert police chief holds first press conference, council has first subcommittee meeting
For the first time, Gilbert police Chief Michael Soelberg addressed questions about teen violence investigations at a news conference. He promised more arrests would be coming and said detectives were working to identify who was and who was not a "Gilbert Goon." Following Soelberg's news conference, the Gilbert Town Council held its first teen violence subcommittee meeting. The panel discussed conducting a youth violence survey, hosting community listening sessions, and heard a brief statement from Soelberg about active "Gilbert Goons" investigations.
Jan. 24, 2024: Gilbert police arrest three in connection with two 'Goon' attacks from 2022
Gage Garrison, 19, Kyler Renner, 18, and Jack Woods, 17, were arrested in an assault on an adult on Dec. 3, 2022, that took place in a parking garage in downtown Gilbert. Kyler Renner also was arrested in connection with a second attack. That assault on a juvenile took place outside of a home near Higley and Riggs roads on Nov. 22, 2022. In addition, Kyler Renner's father, Travis Renner, 50, was arrested by Gilbert police on suspicion of drug possession and paraphernalia charges.
Jan. 25, 2024: Second arrest made in November 2022 'Goon' attack in Gilbert
Gilbert police arrested a second person, 17-year-old Jacob Meisner, in connection with a Nov. 22, 2022, assault on a juvenile outside a house near Higley and Riggs roads. He was booked on an aggravated assault charge.
Jan. 27, 2024: Football coach of Preston Lord defendant out at ALA Gilbert North without explanation
Without reason, Randy Ricedorff parted ways with American Leadership Academy Gilbert North, where he was the athletic director and head football coach. The school faced scrutiny soon after the death of Preston Lord, as parents and students accused administrators and coaches of bending the rules to protect one of Lord's alleged attackers.
Jan. 30, 2024: Gilbert police make more arrests in August 2023 In-N-Out attack
Deleon Haynes, 19, and a 17-year-old were arrested by Gilbert police in connection with the Aug. 18, 2023, attack on Richard Kuehner's son at the Gilbert In-N-Out Burger. Both were booked on suspicion of aggravated robbery and aggravated assault. The arrests brought the number of people charged in connection with the Aug. 18, 2023, attack to six.
Jan. 31, 2024: Three arrested by Gilbert police in connection with multiple attacks
Jacob Pennington, 20, William Owen Hines, 18, and Tyler Freeman, 17, were arrested in connection with a Dec. 2, 2022 attack at the Gilbert In-N-Out Burger, Gilbert police announced in a Facebook post. That night, there were about 20 kids banging on a window and "trying to fight people inside," according to a police record obtained by The Arizona Republic. Two people were injured: one had a bloody nose, and the other had a cut on their forehead. Brass knuckles were possibly involved, according to the police record. Officers responded to the fight that night but did not identify suspects or victims, as they were already gone, the record stated. In January, police received a video with new evidence of the assault, according to the Facebook post. All three were booked on suspicion of aggravated assault.
Freeman was the fourth suspect arrested in connection with an assault on an adult on Dec. 3, 2022, that took place in a parking garage in downtown Gilbert. The juvenile was booked on suspicion of aggravated assault and kidnapping.
Police arrested Hines and Freeman in connection with an assault on a juvenile outside a home near Higley and Riggs roads on Nov. 22, 2022. Both were booked on suspicion of aggravated assault. Their arrests marked the third and fourth stemming from the assault.
Feb. 7, 2024: More arrests in the Dec. 17, 2022, attack on Lori Nitzen's son
Gage Garrison, 19, and Cody Kostoryz, 18, were arrested by Gilbert police in connection with the Dec. 17, 2022, attack on Lori Nitzen's son. Both were booked on suspicion of aggravated assault and burglary. Police are also seeking the arrest of an 18-year-old, who is out of state, on suspicion of aggravated assault, burglary and kidnapping.
Feb. 8, 2024: 17 'Gilbert Goons' and 26 of their parents sued over attacks
A Scottsdale lawyer filed a lawsuit in Maricopa County Superior Court on behalf of a "Gilbert Goon" attack victim. The lawyer accused multiple "Goons" of assaulting unsuspecting victims, recording attacks and sharing photos and videos on social media. Parents are being accused of negligent supervision.
Feb. 15, 2024: Prosecutors turn down charges against juvenile in Aug. 18, 2023 attack
A Gilbert police detective told Richard Kuehner no charges would be filed against a 16-year-old, the stepson of a Chandler Unified principal, for his role in the August beating on his son at the Gilbert In-N-Out. Kuehner's son identified the teen as one of his attackers the night of the assault. He was arrested in January on suspicion of aggravated assault and aggravated robbery.
Feb. 16, 2024: Charges turned down for second juvenile in Aug. 18, 2023 attack
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office said it turned down charges against another 16-year-old in the August attack on Richard Kuehner's son because the teen was not involved in the fight. Prosecutors also confirmed they would not charge an 18-year-old in connection to the attack on Lori Nitzen's son, saying there was no reasonable likelihood of conviction.
Feb. 27, 2024: Former employee alleges cover-up of Preston Lord homicide
Travis Renner, the father of 17-year-old Talan Renner, was accused by a former employee of trying to cover up his son's alleged involvement in the killing of Preston Lord. She said the plan began immediately after the fatal beating, which included pinning the blame on 17-year-old Talyn Vigil since his name sounded similar to Renner's.
Mar. 6, 2024: Four people charged in Preston Lord homicide
A Maricopa County grand jury indicted several people in connection with the death of Preston Lord. William "Owen" Hines, 18, Talan Renner, 17, Dominic Turner, 20, and Talyn Vigil, 17, were charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping. Turner also was charged with aggravated robbery. Renner and Vigil would be charged as adults, prosecutors said.
Mar. 7, 2024: 3 more charged in Lord case; Defendants appear in court
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office announced two more indictments. Taylor Sherman, 19, and Jacob Meisner, 17, faced charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping. Meisner also faced an aggravated robbery charge.
Six defendants had their initial appearance hearings in court and were held on $1 million bonds. A judge ordered 17-year-olds Jacob Meisner and Talan Renner held in juvenile detention.
Authorities confirmed that Treston Billey, 18, turned himself in. Billey faces first-degree murder, kidnapping and aggravated robbery charges, according to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.
Mar. 8, 2024: Prosecutors say the theft of a necklace had a role in Lord's killing
Prosecutors said the theft of a $10 necklace from one of Preston Lord's friends kicked off the events that led to his fatal Oct. 28 beating. They said the theft was the catalyst for a sequence of events that led up to Lord's attack — it was not the motive.
Mar. 13, 2024: 6 defendants charged in Lord homicide enter not guilty pleas
William Owen Hines, 18; Jacob Meisner, 17; Talan Renner, 17; Taylor Sherman, 19; Dominic Turner, 20; and Talyn Vigil, 17, were arraigned in Maricopa County Superior Court. All entered pleas of not guilty to first-degree murder and kidnapping. Meisner and Turner also pleaded not guilty to aggravated robbery charges.
Mar. 14, 2024: 7th defendant charged in Lord homicide pleads not guilty
Treston Billey, 18, was arraigned in Maricopa County Superior Court. He pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, kidnapping and aggravated robbery.
March 28, 2024: Queen Creek police release 911 recordings, police report in Preston Lord case
Police released recordings of a dozen 911 calls from the night Preston Lord was fatally assaulted. In one, Lord's friend begs for police to arrive as soon as possible. In another, the caller tells the dispatcher a group of trained lifeguards was administering CPR on the teen. Officials also released more than 1,100 pages of police reports and witness statements.
April 4, 2024: ALA says Gilbert North coach was fired over decisions related to Preston Lord defendant
The American Leadership Academy charter school district confirmed administrators fired the Gilbert North high school football coach and athletic director, Randy Ricedorff, for his decision to allow Talan Renner, 17, who was later charged in connection with Preston Lord's killing, to play a game after the Oct. 28 assault without informing school leaders. He was let go in January.
April 12, 2024: Defendant in Lord case posts bail, is released from jail
Talyn Vigil, 17, one of seven people charged in connection with Preston Lord's killing, posted bail. He was released from a Maricopa County jail under electronic monitoring. Of the three juveniles charged in the case, he was the only one held in adult jail.
April 18, 2024: The Republic publishes account of fatal attack on Lord; teen admits guilt in separate beating
The Republic pieced together what happened the night Preston Lord, 16, was attacked. The article relied on multiple sources, including quotes and material from a 1,100-page police report; 911 calls; interviews with police, friends of Lord and friends of the Goons; and social media accounts.
A 17-year-old admitted to the charge of aggravated assault in connection with an August 2023 attack at the Gilbert In-N-Out. He was placed on one year of supervised probation.
April 22, 2024: Guilty plea in connection with Pinal County attack
Jacob Pennington, 20, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in connection with a Nov. 18, 2023, attack in Pinal County. His next hearing, where his plea and sentencing were to be considered, was scheduled for June 10.
April 26, 2024: Guilty plea in connection with In-N-Out attack in December 2022
Jacob Pennington, 20, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in connection with a Dec. 2, 2022, attack at the Gilbert In-N-Out. Attorneys on both sides agreed to place him on supervised probation and have him complete 100 hours of community service. On April 30, the court accepted the plea and scheduled his sentencing for June 13.
May 1, 2024: Guilty plea in connection with August 2023 In-N-Out attack
Deleon Haynes, 19, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in connection with an Aug. 18, 2023, attack at the Gilbert In-N-Out. Attorneys on both sides agreed to place him on supervised probation and have him complete 100 hours of community service. On May 2, the court accepted the plea and scheduled his sentencing for June 3.
May 2, 2024: Authorities say 'Gilbert Goons' a gang, but no additional charges
Gilbert Police Chief Michael Soelberg, backed by representatives from four other agencies, announced the "Gilbert Goons" was classified as a criminal street gang. Even so, Soelberg said there was not enough evidence to bring charges against individuals for participating in or assisting the gang.
May 3, 2024: Gilbert police arrest suspect in 'sidewalk beating'
Clayton Oden, 19, was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct and assault, both misdemeanors, in connection with an October 2022 beating. He was booked into the Gilbert-Chandler holding facility.
May 7, 2024: Second person pleads guilty in connection with Pinal County attack
Garrett Bagshaw, 18, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in connection with a Nov. 18, 2023, attack in Pinal County. He was ordered to complete a diversion program.
May 9, 2024: Trial for Preston Lord case pushed back to summer 2025, limits placed on cameras in court
For the first time in two months, defendants charged in Lord's killing appeared together in court for a hearing. A judge ruled that news cameras were allowed during courtroom proceedings but said defendants' faces could not be shown. The trial date was moved from November 2024 to July 2025.
May 15, 2024: Death penalty off the table for defendants in Lord case, prosecutors say
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office said it would not pursue the death penalty for Treston Billey, 18, Taylor Sherman, 19, and Dominic Turner, 20, in the Preston Lord case. The three were death penalty eligible because they were adults at the time of the October beating that led to his death. The remaining four defendants were juveniles at the time.
May 16, 2024: First person person arrested in Goons attacks since Lord killing pleads guilty to charges
Christopher Fantastic, 19, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in both a May 2023 attack at a Mesa park and an August 2023 attack at the Gilbert In-N-Out. Parties on both sides agreed he would be placed on supervised probation and should complete 100 hours of community service in each case. His sentencing in both cases was scheduled for July 1.
May 21, 2024: Guilty plea in connection with December 2022 house party beating
Cody Kostoryz, 18, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in connection with a Dec. 17, 2022, attack at a house party in Gilbert. In his plea agreement, the parties agreed he would be placed on supervised probation and should complete 100 hours of community service. His sentencing was scheduled for July 9.
Robert Anglen is an investigative reporter for The Republic. Reach him at robert.anglen@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X @robertanglen.
Elena Santa Cruz is a criminal justice reporter for The Republic. Reach her at elena.santacruz@gannett.com. Follow her on X @ecsantacruz3.
Miguel Torres is a criminal justice reporter for The Republic. Reach him at miguel.torres@arizonarepublic.com or (602) 444-0813. Follow him on X @TheMiguelTorres.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Timeline: Preston Lord case, 'Gilbert Goons' attacks stun Phoenix area
