Calling it a “massive step forward” in the quest for justice for Preston Lord, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has announced the indictments of 4 individuals in the homicide of 16-year-old Preston Lord.
The Queen Creek Police Department has arrested 3 of the defendants; one, William Owen Hines, is already in custody.
William Owen Hines, 18 years old
Charges: one count first-degree murder and in the alternative second-degree murder, both Class One felonies; one count kidnapping, a Class Two felony
Talan Renner, 17 years old (picture not available)
Charges: one count first-degree murder and in the alternative second-degree murder, both Class One felonies; one count kidnapping, a Class Two felony
Dominic Turner, 20 years old
Charges: one count aggravated robbery, a Class Three felony; one count first-degree murder and in the alternative second-degree murder, both Class One felonies; one count kidnapping, a Class Two felony
Talyn Vigil, 17 years old (picture not available)
Charges: one count first-degree murder and in the alternative second-degree murder, both Class One felonies; one count kidnapping, a Class Two felony
Taylor Sherman, 19 years old
After the initial news of the four suspects indicted, there has been speculation there is a fifth suspect, identified as 19-year-old Taylor Sherman. Details on exact charges against Sherman have not yet been made aware or confirmed.
- William Hines
- Dominic Turner
- Taylor Sherman
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said, “We must always remember that at the center of this case is a teenaged boy who died far before his time. His parents are in agony and there is little anyone can do to change that. That said, today we have taken a massive step forward in the quest for justice for Preston.”
Preston Lord is the 16-year-old who was beaten following a party in Queen Creek on October 28, 2023. He died two days later. Since the cases related to Lord’s death were submitted to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) in late December 2023, prosecutors – including those at the most senior level of the office – have undertaken a detailed review of 600 videos and a 2,000-page police report among other evidence to develop the case against those indicted today.
An investigative grand jury began hearing this case on February 7, 2024. An important piece of evidence for their consideration was the Medical Examiner’s report which was received on February 14, 2024.
County Attorney Mitchell added, “A grand jury was convened and heard evidence over the course of five weeks. My office has put in hundreds of hours, as have the members of several East Valley police departments. I offer my deep thanks to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s office for the difficult and important work they have done. But let me emphasize: this investigation is not over. There is more information to review and the potential for additional charges exists.”
Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Brice announced there could be more arrests in the case.
On Wednesday night, the parents of Preston Lord thanked the community after the formal announcement of four individuals were arrested and charged with murder in an October attack that left their 16-year-old son dead.
“We extend heartfelt gratitude to the community members who stepped up to provide information to secure these arrests,” Nick Lord and Autumn Curiel, Lord’s parents, said in a release through their lawyer. “But for law enforcement’s collective efforts and community members’ invaluable cooperation, these arrests would not have happened. Each arrest represents a step towards accountability and justice for our son Preston.”
