PHOENIX — Arizona lawmakers have approved a significant piece of legislation aimed at addressing youth violence, sparking hope for families affected by such tragedies. The newly passed Preston’s Law, named after 16-year-old Preston Lord, who lost his life in a violent altercation at a party in 2023, received final approval from the House on Tuesday. The vote, which concluded with a tally of 35-19, now awaits Governor Katie Hobbs’ signature.
Preston’s mother, Autumn Curiel, expressed her emotions following the vote, noting the importance of the law in preventing similar incidents. “If he were here, he would be proud that this could prevent others from going through the same pain,” she said.
House Bill 2611 introduces stiffer penalties for violent crimes committed by groups. Under this new legislation, an assault will be classified as aggravated if the offender is part of a group of two or more and if the victim sustains physical injuries. Such an offense will be categorized as a Class 4 felony, amplifying the consequences for those involved.
State Representative Matt Gress, who sponsored the bill, emphasized its role in deterring organized violence. “This law aims to strengthen the penalties for those who commit violent crimes as part of a group,” he said during the House discussions. “The goal is not to punish indiscriminately but to eliminate calculated and organized brutality.”
Curiel and Preston’s stepmother, Melissa Ciconte, were present in the House gallery during the proceedings. Ciconte shared her hopes for justice, saying, “This bill means a lot for victims of such horrific crimes. We feel proud and a bit emotional about this moment.”
Preston Lord was brutally attacked after leaving a Halloween party in October 2023. In connection with his murder, seven teenagers now face charges. Just last week, one of the suspects, William Owen Hines, was sentenced to 17 years in prison for both Lord’s death and a separate assault case.
The tragic events surrounding Lord’s death have spotlighted escalating youth violence in the East Valley, where similar incidents had plagued the area for over a year. Curiel reflected on the helplessness of her son during the attack, stating, “He didn’t have the chance to fight back, and this law is our effort to honor him.”
The Lord family is actively encouraging Governor Hobbs to sign the bill, aspiring for the tougher legal ramifications to deter future mob-style violence in their community. Ciconte noted, “Our hope is to assist families dealing with this senseless violence that we need to eradicate from our streets.”
Following the vote, Gress took a moment to reassure Curiel and Ciconte, saying, “We did it. Thank you for your bravery and persistence. We will ensure this law is signed — it’s vital.”
This legislation stands as a significant step toward enhancing community safety and holding accountable those who engage in group violence, offering a semblance of hope for affected families and the broader community.
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