CHANDLER, Ariz. — On Monday, Jan. 22, 12News will host a Town Hall focusing on the issues of teen violence.
We invite you to join us, along with a panel of experts, to discuss the root causes of teen violence and voice ideas for solutions.
As the community grieves the loss of Preston Lord, the passing days and weeks raise questions about the investigation – and similar acts of apparently random group violence against other teens in the community.
"I hope we can give a voice to the people whose fears and frustrations haven't been heard completely," said 12News anchor Mark Curtis. "Tonight we will give these people a chance to be heard along with experts when it comes to teen violence."
Our panel will include teen mental health experts, community advocates, education professionals, city officials, top county law enforcement and more. We’ll discuss how to talk to your kids about teen violence, what cities are doing to address the problem and hear from law enforcement on the progress of the investigations.
"What is the responsibility of these social media platforms, like TikTok and Snapchat, that put these videos up of these teens beating up this poor defenseless teen? And does that perpetuate more of the violence and are they complicit by allowing that up on their platforms?" Curtis asked. “This will be dedicated to hearing the community's concerns, but also hopefully, to giving you all some answers at home as to what to do, what to look out for, and really addressing the root of all of this."
Members of the community will be able to RSVP to share their voice on the matter. You can join us in person, online or on TV for the event.
Meet the panel
Julia Wheatley, Queen Creek mayor
Wheatley was elected mayor in 2022 and served on the Queen Creek Town Council since 2010. She grew up in Arizona and Queen Creek has been home since 2007.
Katey McPherson, community advocate
Formerly a school teacher, guidance counselor and administrator, McPherson is also a mother of five and active in her community, advocating for parents and students' safety and mental health.
Krissyn Sumare, senior director of Academics, Blueprint Education
Blueprint Education Inc. is a non-profit organization that runs two public charter high schools in Arizona, offering alternative, non-traditional learning environments.
Dr. Aaron Krasnow, associate vice president of ASU’s Health Services and Counseling Services
An expert in the treatment of anxiety disorders, Dr. Krasnow is responsible for Health and Counseling Services for all ASU campuses.
Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb
Lamb was elected sheriff on Jan. 1, 2017 and is now running as a Republican candidate for U.S. Senate. Lamb’s law enforcement experience includes working as a detective on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Gang Enforcement Unit and other multi-jurisdictional gang investigations.
His office has made two arrests of young adults both facing charges in an assault on a teen that was recorded on video and posted online.
Bishop Anthony Holt, NAACP Arizona State Conference president
A long-time community advocate, Holt served as the West Valley NAACP president and was a founding member in 2017. Holt is interested in curbing teen violence throughout Arizona and bringing effective tools to teens statewide.
Jennifer Clack, Silent Witness
Clack is the Vice President of the Arizona Chapter of Silent Witness, a non-profit that partners with local police, news outlets and the community to help solve and prevent crime.
Event details
- When: 6 p.m., Monday, Jan. 22
- Where: Chandler-Gilbert Community College Performing Arts Center; 2626 E Pecos Road, Chandler
- Doors open: 5 p.m.
- Register to attend in person: RSVP here
EAST VALLEY TEEN VIOLENCE
For months, 12News has been tracking a growing number of teen violence cases in the East Valley.