A group of teenagers from affluent families in Gilbert, Arizona, has been causing trouble in the city since 2019 and sharing their antics on social media. Unfortunately, the tragic death of 16-year-old Preston Lord finally drew attention to the issue.
Gilbert Police Chief Michael Soelberg revealed that new information came to light following Lord’s death. Prior to this incident, the police had made 15 arrests related to teen violence cases in the previous 18 months, but much of the evidence and videos were only reported after Lord’s death.
Videos have surfaced showing the teens, known as the “Gilbert Goons,” brutally attacking other teenagers and proudly sharing the footage on social media as a sick display of their actions.
Seven individuals are facing first-degree murder charges for Lord’s death at a Halloween party in 2023. There are rumors of a cover-up involving one of the suspects and his father, casting doubt on the proceedings.
In addition, three defendants involved in other violent attacks linked to the “Gilbert Goons” have reached plea deals this week that allowed them to avoid jail time, leading to outrage from the community over the perceived lack of justice.
Chief Soelberg acknowledges the public’s frustration but attributes it to misinformation.
