GILBERT, AZ — In a disturbing revelation, a police report uncovered social media exchanges that suggest a series of violent incidents involving teenagers in Gilbert nearly escalated into more organized criminal activities. This information comes as the community still reels from the death of Preston Lord, who was killed during a ruthless group assault outside a Halloween event in Queen Creek last year.
The report details how Conor Jarnagan, who was only 17 at the time, was attacked by 10-12 assailants while outside a local In-N-Out Burger restaurant on December 30, 2022. Jarnagan reported being beaten with brass knuckles, and during a desperate call to 911, he said he and a friend were mugged but managed to escape to a nearby store parking lot. The suspects, described as teenage stoners with long, shaggy hair, demanded money from Jarnagan, striking him when he refused.
Following the assault, the group fled after taking $20 from Jarnagan, who offered the sum in hopes of being left alone. The culprits later boasted about their actions over social media, discussing potential plans to form a gang and even suggesting a cop-killing spree. These conversations were captured in Snapchat messages where one assailant remarked about beating Jarnagan and taking his wallet, while another pondered acquiring more brass knuckles to inflict further harm.
The police were alerted to these messages and the conversations about avoiding areas like the In-N-Out to lower their chances of arousing police suspicion. However, some suspects were worried about the increasing police attention and expressed concerns over being linked to multiple assaults.
Despite the violent and premeditated nature of their activities, Gilbert police, who have been monitoring instances of group teen violence, have been involved in eight arrests stemming from six reported cases as of earlier this year. Yet, concerns about a potential lack of earlier intervention have surfaced among community members.
Katey McPherson, a local advisor on educational matters, voiced her frustration, suggesting that earlier detection of the group’s tendencies could have prevented further violence. Another wave of alarm and pressure on local law enforcement followed the killing of Preston Lord, prompting a re-evaluation of past incidents linked to teen violence, which had led to 13 arrests from February 2022 until Lord’s death in October 2023.
To date, the Gilbert Police Department has reported a significant increase in arrests related to teen violence, with 26 new arrests made since January 2024, bringing the total to 41. These developments emerge as the Jarnagan family, still deeply affected by the attack, has renewed calls for legislative action against the possession of brass knuckles, emphasizing the need for stricter consequences to combat the rising tide of youth violence.
In response to these series of events, the Gilbert Police Department maintains that their investigations have been thorough. They refute any claims that the suspects were involved in more than 30 assaults, stating there is insufficient evidence to categorically label the group as a gang. Nevertheless, the authorities remain committed to clamping down on teen violence and ensuring safety in community spaces frequented by young people.
This series of violent incidents, as well as the community’s response, highlights ongoing concerns regarding youth violence and the effectiveness of preventative measures in suburban settings. As Gilbert continues to grapple with these challenges, many are calling for more proactive measures and engagement from both law enforcement and community stakeholders to ensure a safer environment for all residents.