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SURPRISE, AZ (AZFamily) — A teen who survived a violent attack at a house party in Surprise in April is still dealing with serious problems from the beating, according to his attorney.
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Two juveniles are facing charges in the case, which investigators say could qualify under Preston’s Law, a statute designed to crack down on “swarming” style group assaults with tougher punishments for every person involved.
Preston Lord was 16 when he was attacked by a group outside a Halloween house party in Queen Creek in 2023. He later died from his injuries.
The attack
The teen’s attorney, Adam Ashby, said the boy was lured to the party through social media back in April.
“Immediately upon getting to the house party, he was confronted by someone with a gun,” Ashby said.
Surprise police released a photo that appears to show someone holding a gun at the party. Ashby said his client was taken to the backyard and beaten.
“They told him if he fought back, they would shoot him. They told him if he ran away, they would shoot him,” Ashby said.
Ashby said the attack was captured from multiple angles on social media.
Ongoing impact
“Physically, he’s doing a lot better. Emotionally and mentally, he’s still struggling,” Ashby said.
The teen has developed a new tic and has reactions when attending group gatherings, Ashby said.
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“Mentally, he’s having a really rough time,” Ashby said.
Preston’s Law and investigation
Because the two suspects are underage, Surprise police are not releasing much information about them. Police said the attack could be prosecuted under Preston’s Law.
Katey McPherson, an advocate against teen violence, said she is grateful the law is in place.
“First, it makes me sad that we’re still dealing with these swarming attacks, but I’m grateful that we have this law in place now,” McPherson said.
Preston’s Law opens the door to tougher punishments in “swarming” group attacks. McPherson said this has turned into a social media trend and parents need to address it.
“Sit them down and say, this seems to be a trend and this is not okay with us,” McPherson said.
Surprise police said they are still working to identify more people involved, which could mean additional charges.
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