CHANDLER, Ariz. — Preston Lord Day will be a time to honor the teen who was killed at an East Valley Halloween party in 2023 and a time to make the statement that teen violence will not be tolerated in the community.
The City of Chandler will officially proclaim Sept. 23, his birthday, as Preston Lord Day. He would've been 17 this year.
Kevin Hartke, mayor of Chandler, said he will read a proclamation and join community members at The Stillery off Arizona Avenue at 5 p.m. "to honor the life of a man whose life was cut short."
"We are going to be celebrating with the family of Preston Lord, whose dad and stepmom live in Chandler, the life and contributions of their son," Hartke said. "This has been an issue that Chandler and Gilbert and Queen Creek have wanted to make strong statements, concerning that we take strong stances on violence."
Hartke said the city has taken action to try to combat teen violence within the city by prohibiting the use of brass knuckles for those 18 years of age and younger, as well as prohibiting unruly gatherings.
OD Harris, vice mayor, said the day was a reminder of the struggles faced by families impacted by teen violence.
"It's not a black thing, it's not a white thing, it's not an Asian thing, it's not a Hispanic thing. It's a people thing," Harris said. "Violence is begotten violence, and we as a community are taking a strong stance to say, 'Hey, not in our community', and I think that's the important message that Preston Lord Day is symbolic of."
Brandon Juniper, general manager at the Stillery, said the color for the Preston Lord Day is orange.
"Orange was Preston’s favorite color," Juniper said. "It's about community as well. It's about local businesses supporting the community obviously as well as the family and again, bringing up awareness.
Seven juveniles and adults are charged with first-degree murder for the alleged role they played in the tragic death of the 16-year-old: Treston Billey, Taylor Sherman, Talyn Vigil, Jacob Meisner, Dominic Turner, William Owen Hines and Talan Renner.
The trial has been set for July 2025.
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