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East Valley school cancels sporting events amidst teen violence investigations

As several police jurisdictions investigate teen violence in the East Valley, the district said canceling the games "was in the best interest" of the students.

GILBERT, Ariz. — An East Valley high school has canceled two upcoming sporting events against another East Valley school as investigations continue into teen violence in the area. 

"Due to the highly sensitive nature of recent events, coupled with the heightened level of commentary and concern shared by community members, it was determined that canceling the upcoming games was in the best interest of our students," a statement from J.O. Combs Unified School District said. 

Preston Lord, who was killed after being attacked at a Halloween party in Queen Creek, attended Combs High School. The school canceled its upcoming basketball games against ALA-Gilbert North.

RELATED: Here is what has happened in the Preston Lord homicide investigation in the last two months

The decision to cancel the boys and girls basketball games on Jan. 11 and Jan. 25 was made after consulting the Arizona Interscholastic Association, the district said. 

Community members in the East Valley have been concerned about teen violence as videos showing groups of teens attacking other teens have been shared widely online after Lord's death.

RELATED: 'There haven't been any consequences': Gilbert PD reopens 4 teen assault cases as concerns over teen violence in the East Valley continue

No one has been arrested in Lord's death but Queen Creek police recently submitted charges against seven people for review by the county attorney.

The Gilbert Police Department has reopened four teen assault cases and announced Monday it is investigating four more previously unreported teen assault cases in the area. 

Multiple city councils are expected to meet on the subject this week as they look for a concrete solution to the recent attacks.

RELATED: 'What would work right now?': Local leaders expected to discuss threat of teen violence in East Valley

Editor's note: The above video is from a previous broadcast.

The Gilbert Police Department would like to provide the latest information on its ongoing investigations into incidents...

Posted by Gilbert Police Department on Monday, January 8, 2024

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