Remembering Preston Lord: Honoring a Life Cut Short
On September 23, Preston Lord would have celebrated his 17th birthday, but tragically, his life was cut short at an East Valley Halloween party in 2023. In remembrance of Preston and as a stand against teen violence, the community of Chandler, Arizona, has declared September 23 as Preston Lord Day.
The City of Chandler, led by Mayor Kevin Hartke, will gather at The Stillery on Arizona Avenue at 5 p.m. to mark this day and celebrate Preston’s life. Mayor Hartke emphasized the need for communities to take a strong stance against violence, and Chandler has implemented measures to combat teen violence, such as banning brass knuckles for those under 18 and restricting unruly gatherings.
Vice Mayor OD Harris underscored the impact of teen violence on families, stating that it transcends race and ethnicity. “Violence begets violence, and we as a community must say ‘not in our community,'” Harris remarked, highlighting the importance of Preston Lord Day as a symbol of unity against violence.
Brandon Juniper, general manager at The Stillery, revealed that orange has been chosen as the color for Preston Lord Day, as it was Preston’s favorite color. This choice represents community support and awareness-raising efforts to prevent future tragedies like Preston’s untimely death.
Currently, seven individuals, both juveniles and adults, are facing first-degree murder charges for their alleged involvement in Preston’s death. The trial is scheduled for July 2025.
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