ARIZONA NEWS

Preston Lord’s parents open up about Valley teen’s life, death in emotional TV interview

Sep 5, 2024, 11:43 AM

A community vigil was held in Queen Creek on May 7, 2024, after arrests were made in the murder of ...

A community vigil was held in Queen Creek on May 7, 2024, after arrests were made in the murder of Preston Lord. (KTAR News File Photo)

(KTAR News File Photo)

PHOENIX – Ten months after Preston Lord was beaten to death in a case that sparked outrage across the Valley, his parents sat down with a Phoenix TV station to discuss their unimaginable ordeal.

Nick Lord and Melissa Ciconte, Preston’s father and stepmother, shared stories about their son’s life, and about losing him, in an interview with ABC15’s Ashley Holden that aired Wednesday. Melissa also read a touching note from Preston’s mother, Autumn Curiel.

“I just remember standing there and thinking, ‘This has got to be a bad dream,’” Nick said about seeing his son in the hospital after the brutal assault. “I spent two nights at the hospital sleeping on the floor, I’d say easily the most challenging things that I’ve ever had to go through.”

Preston, 16, succumbed to his injuries on Oct. 30, 2023, two days after a group of youths jumped him outside a Halloween party in Queen Creek.

“To hear Nick say, ‘It’s OK buddy, you can go. You don’t have to be strong anymore.’ … Probably one of the worst days of my life,” Melissa said while fighting back tears.

Preston Lord remembered as a loving son

The Lords remember their son as a strong student at Combs High School in San Tan Valley with a passion for math, sports and making others laugh.

“He was genuine. He was kind. He was loving. He wanted a future for himself and he worked hard for it,” Melissa said.

Preston’s parents said they couldn’t have imagined he’d become a victim of violent crime.

“Preston was so well-behaved that I never even thought about it,” Nick said.

Teen’s death sparks movement, puts youth violence in spotlight

After Preston’s death, his parents came up with the idea of Justice 4 Preston Lord, a movement symbolized by orange bracelets that was embraced across the region.

“It’s not something that we expected to happen. I think the response from the community has been absolutely amazing,” Nick said.

The movement ended up exposing a plague of youth violence in multiple East Valley communities, as previously silent victims came forward. Many of the assaults were attributed to a gang of teens and young adults known as the Gilbert Goons.

As the investigation into Preston’s death stretched on for months, the community grew impatient. Family members, meanwhile, wondered if they’d ever get justice.

“Just a lot of feelings of anxiety if this would ever move forward with arrests and just progress in his case,” Nick said.

Seven youths arrested for murder of Preston Lord

Progress finally arrived in March, when seven males ages 17-20 were arrested and charged with Preston’s murder. They are scheduled to go to trial in July 2025.

Nick said he’s not passing judgement and just wants the trial to be fair.

“He did not deserve to die in that manner, and those that did it should be held accountable for their actions,” Melissa said.

The interview was conducted just weeks before what would have been Preston’s 17th birthday on Sept. 23. A Preston Lord Day celebration is scheduled for that day at The Stillery in downtown Chandler.

“We picked that day because it should be a celebration of his life and what he meant to the world,” Melissa said.

We want to hear from you.

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

Arizona News

fentanyl pills, fentanyl bust Phoenix...

KTAR.com

Weekend Wrap: Here are the biggest Phoenix news stories from Feb. 7-9

Here are some of the top Valley news stories from Feb. 7-9, including a Phoenix man being pulled over with more than 100,000 fentanyl pills.

8 hours ago

Economists foresee labor shortages in construction and agriculture as a result of President Donald ...

Matthew DeWees and Katrina Michalak/Cronkite News

Donald Trump’s mass deportations could mean higher costs and labor shortages in Arizona

Deportations ordered by President Trump could hit Arizona’s agriculture and construction sectors hard, pushing up prices for shoppers.

12 hours ago

Immigration Arizona criminal charges 565 people USAO...

Payne Moses

More than 500 charged with immigration-related crime in Arizona over recent 2-week period

From Jan. 21-Feb. 3, a total of 565 people were charged with illegal immigration activity by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona.

14 hours ago

Two Valley freeway ramps will be closed for the next two months....

Kevin Stone

2 Valley on-ramps closing for 2 months as part of freeway improvement projects

A couple of metro Phoenix freeway ramps are closing for the next two months as part of ongoing improvement projects.

18 hours ago

Honeywell Aerospace...

Collin Huguley and Jeff Gifford/Phoenix Business Journal

Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace to go its own way amid company split

Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace Technologies is going to become a separate entity now that Honeywell International Inc. plans to follow through with a major shake-up.

19 hours ago

fatal shooting southeast Phoenix one man dead...

Payne Moses

Police investigating fatal shooting that left 1 man dead in southeast Phoenix

Phoenix police are investigating a fatal shooting in southeast Phoenix on Friday that left one man dead. The incident is being viewed as an act of self-defense.

1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to save money on retirement planning following 2024 election

PHOENIX -- With the 2024 election over, economic changes could impact how people plan for retirement as 2025 is on the horizon.

...

Schwartz Laser Eye Center

Don’t miss the action with this game-changing procedure

PHOENIX -- The clear lens exchange procedure has emerged as a popular alternative to LASIK eye surgery.

Preston Lord’s parents open up about Valley teen’s life, death in emotional TV interview