ARIZONA NEWS

2 MCSO deputies reassigned after incident involving parents of Preston Lord murder suspect

Mar 13, 2024, 8:00 PM | Updated: Mar 14, 2024, 6:22 am

PHOENIX — A Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office spokesman confirmed that two deputies were reassigned after reportedly escorting the parents of a suspect in the Preston Lord murder case out of a courthouse without authorization last week.

“After a thorough review, we learned MCSO personnel conducted an unauthorized family escort on March 7, 2024, using a route known from prior high-profile or security-sensitive escorts,” Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez said in a statement to the media.

“Despite their intention to prevent potential conflict or disruption at the courthouse, the two deputies failed to seek supervisory guidance or coordinate with judicial staff upon receiving the escort request from the family’s legal representative. Both deputies involved have been reassigned from the Juvenile Court Center as we continue examining the incident.”

How did MCSO deputies allegedly help suspect’s parents?

ABC15 reported that the deputies moved Talan Renner’s parents to a secure area and brought their Tesla to a lot behind the courthouse after the teenager’s initial appearance. A reporter for the Phoenix TV station had been waiting to question the Renners outside the courthouse.

Judge Joseph Welty, the presiding judge of the Judicial Branch in Maricopa County, told ABC15 the deputies’ actions were “inconsistent with court security protocol and gave the appearance of preferential treatment.”

Why was Talan Renner and his family in court?

Renner, 17, is one of seven youths charged with first-degree murder in the death of Lord, who died in a hospital two days after getting beaten outside a Halloween party in Queen Creek on Oct. 28, 2023.

Renner is one of three minors arrested in the Lord case. He and five other defendants pleaded not guilty on Wednesday. The seventh suspect was expected to enter his plea on Thursday.

Renner is the third member of his family to be arrested this year, the only one in connection with Lord’s death. His 19-year-old brother, Kyler Renner, faces charges in two 2022 assault cases, and his father, 50-year-old Travis Renner, was arrested in January for allegedly possessing dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

research funding...

Kevin Stone

Arizona joins lawsuit to stop Trump research funding cuts that could cost state millions

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes joined a multistate lawsuit against the Trump administration to protect medical and public health research funding.

1 hour ago

The Arizona Constitution currently provides legislative immunity for traffic violations....

Kevin Stone

Arizona Republican wants lawmakers to follow same traffic laws as everyone else

An Arizona lawmaker introduced a resolution that would refer a constitutional amendment ending legislative immunity for traffic violations to the ballot.

2 hours ago

Officials: WM Phoenix Open 2025 more peaceful than last year...

Serena O'Sullivan

This year’s WM Phoenix Open upgrades made event smoother, more respectful, organizers say

Event organizers put in place a variety of changes during the WM Phoenix Open 2025 after weather conditions and crowd issues last year.

3 hours ago

Detectives are looking for the suspect in a fatal shooting at a Phoenix apartment complex....

Kevin Stone

Police seek suspect after fatal shooting at west Phoenix apartment complex

Detectives are trying to find a suspect after a fatal shooting over the weekend at a west Phoenix apartment complex.

4 hours ago

A man was stabbed to death near the Arizona Capitol complex in Phoenix over the weekend....

Kevin Stone

Man stabbed to death at bus stop near Arizona Capitol in Phoenix

A man was stabbed to death near the Arizona Capitol complex in Phoenix over the weekend, authorities said.

5 hours ago

Phoenix forecast rain...

Kevin Stone

Phoenix could see its heaviest rainfall in months later this week

The metro Phoenix forecast calls for a warm start to the week followed by a quick cooldown, with a good chance for the heaviest rainfall in months.

6 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Your go-to plumbing experts in Arizona

Collins Comfort Masters, a trusted name in HVAC, water and plumbing since 1985, is you go-to plumbers for the residents of Phoenix and the Valley.

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

2 MCSO deputies reassigned after incident involving parents of Preston Lord murder suspect