The timeline surrounding the tragic case of Preston Lord and the notorious Gilbert Goons reveals a disturbing sequence of events that has profoundly impacted the Phoenix area. Beginning with the brutal assault on Preston Lord at a Halloween party in Queen Creek, this series of incidents quickly escalated into a community-wide concern. The subsequent police investigation has brought to light a pattern of violent behavior by the group known as the Gilbert Goons, marked by a string of aggressive assaults, particularly at the local In-N-Out Burger. Despite these developments, the connection between individual incidents and the group as a whole wasn’t immediately clear, leading to an intricate web of investigations. The timeline is punctuated with significant moments, from the initial arrest in 2021 for shoplifting to more serious charges related to assaults and the eventual death of Preston Lord. As the case unfolded, it became a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking within seemingly peaceful communities, prompting a vigorous response from law enforcement and an outpouring of community activism and support.
Oct. 28, 2023: Halloween Party Assault:
- Preston Lord is beaten at a Queen Creek Halloween party.
- Dies two days later.
Dec. 28, 2023: Criminal Charges Sought:
- Queen Creek police seek charges against seven in Lord’s case.
- Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to review.
Key Documented Attacks:
- Seven attacks involving the Goons were documented.
- At least four occurred at Gilbert In-N-Out Burger.
Police Response:
- No collective categorization of attacks under “Gilbert Goons”.
- Previous arrests not connected to the group.
Investigation Developments:
- Sept. 21, 2021: Goon arrested for shoplifting.
- Jan. 25, 2022: Goon accused of marijuana possession.
- Dec. 17, 2022: Party assault in Gilbert.
- Dec. 30, 2022: In-N-Out Burger assault in Gilbert.
- April 2023: Sentencing for Nitzen and Jarnagan’s sons’ attacker.
- Aug. 18, 2023: Another In-N-Out Burger assault.
Ongoing Investigations:
- Nov. 6, 2023: Police search four houses in Gilbert.
- Nov. 9, 2023: Candlelight vigil for Lord.
- Nov. 14, 2023: Queen Creek police and FBI partnership.
- Nov. 18, 2023: Video of park attack recorded.
- Nov. 22, 2023: Police update on investigation progress.
- Nov. 28, 2023: March for Lord.
- Nov. 29, 2023: Police statement on gathering evidence.
- Dec. 6, 2023: Community addressed by police chief and council.
- Dec. 12, 2023: Gilbert council meeting discusses violence.
- Dec. 16, 2023: Gilbert police reopen Goon attack case.
- Dec. 27, 2023: Goon ex-girlfriend recounts deadly party.
- Dec. 28, 2023: Gilbert police confirm reopening of four cases.
- Jan. 8, 2024: Police explore Goons’ gang status.
- Jan. 9, 2024: Gilbert subcommittee on teen violence created.
- Jan. 10, 2024: Arrests in Goon attacks.
- Jan. 11, 2024: Teen arrested in Mesa, related to Lord case.
- Jan. 12, 2024: Second arrest in Pinal County beating.
- Jan. 17, 2024: Teen re-arrested for related charges.
- Jan. 18, 2024: Gilbert police press conference and council meeting.
This timeline provides a simplified overview of the key events related to the Preston Lord case and the broader impact of the ‘Gilbert Goons’ in the Phoenix area.
