The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has announced that none of the seven individuals accused in the murder of Preston Lord will face the death penalty. This decision, disclosed on Tuesday, reflects the eligibility criteria surrounding the ages of the defendants at the time of the crime.
Three of the defendants, identified as Dominic Turner, Taylor Sherman, and Treston Billey, were initially considered eligible for the death penalty. However, due to their ages at the time of the murder, four of the defendants were not eligible for capital punishment.
The seven suspects involved in the Preston Lord case are Talan Renner (17), Talyn Vigil (17), William Owen Hines (18), Dominic Turner (20), Taylor Sherman (19), Treston Billey (18), and Jacob Meisner (17). All have entered pleas of not guilty.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office anticipates that the trial for these defendants will proceed in 2025.
The background of the case stems from indictments announced by Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell on March 6, 2024, marking a significant step forward in seeking justice for Preston Lord. The indictments included charges against four individuals involved in the homicide:
- William Owen Hines: Charges include first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and kidnapping.
- Talan Renner: Charges include first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and kidnapping.
- Dominic Turner: Charges include aggravated robbery, first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and kidnapping.
- Talyn Vigil: Charges include first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and kidnapping.
Three of the defendants have been arrested by the Queen Creek Police Department, with William Owen Hines already in custody at the time of the indictments.
County Attorney Rachel Mitchell emphasized the gravity of the case, acknowledging the pain endured by Preston Lord’s parents and the ongoing quest for justice. The investigation involved an extensive review of evidence, including videos, police reports, and the Medical Examiner’s report, leading to the convening of an investigative grand jury.
While the decision not to pursue the death penalty for three defendants marks a significant development, the County Attorney’s Office continues to review information and acknowledges the potential for additional charges as the investigation progresses.
