The Rise of Gilbert Goons: How Social Media Fueled a Teen’s Murder
Arizona officials are working diligently to address the issue of youth violence following a tragic incident in Queen Creek, a wealthy suburb southeast of Phoenix. A group of teenagers and young adults, who had been friends since middle and elementary school, evolved into what is now being referred to as a suburban “hybrid gang”. This group, known as the Gilbert Goons, has been tied to various assaults and, most notably, the murder of their 16-year-old peer, Preston Lord, on Halloween weekend last year.
Seven members of the Gilbert Goons have been charged in connection with Preston Lord’s murder. These individuals, Treston Billey, Jacob Meisner, Taylor Sherman, Talan Renner, Dominic Turner, William Owen Hines, and Talyn Vigil, are facing charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping in relation to the tragic event. The case has raised questions about how a group of seemingly well-adjusted suburban boys, with good grades, involvement in sports, church, and strong community connections, could have become involved in such violent activities.
Billie Tarascio, a Gilbert-based attorney with Modern Law, who is not affiliated with the Gilbert Goons case, believes that social media, particularly platforms like Snapchat, played a significant role in influencing the behavior of these young individuals. The Gilbert Goons were known for recording videos of their activities, including assaults and underage drinking, which were then shared on social media. This exposure on social platforms may have contributed to the group’s escalation into criminal behavior.
The Formation of the Gilbert Goons
Thousands of records obtained from the Queen Creek Police Department shed light on the origins of the Gilbert Goons and how social media played a role in their formation. According to a witness who grew up with some of the members, the group began as a friend group in elementary and middle school. Members such as Meisner, Renner, and another individual who was not charged in Lord’s murder, became close friends as early as 6th grade, referring to themselves as the “Goonies” or the “G’s”.
The witness described the group as a large friend group that hung out together, with the girls’ role being to stay out of the way during fights while the boys were engaged in violent activities. The witness also mentioned that being considered a Gilbert Goon was simply a matter of hanging out and participating in drinking activities. This casual beginning eventually evolved into a more serious and dangerous situation, fueled by social media exposure and the desire for attention and validation.
Efforts to Curb Teen Violence in Gilbert
In response to the tragic events surrounding Preston Lord’s murder, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has launched a new campaign called “Report! Don’t Repost”. This initiative aims to encourage parents and children who encounter violent content on social media to report it to local law enforcement rather than sharing or reposting it. By reporting such content, authorities can better address and investigate instances of violence, potentially preventing future incidents.
The county attorney’s office emphasized the importance of not amplifying violent content by reposting it, as this can contribute to the glorification of criminal behavior and further perpetuate the cycle of violence. By reporting such incidents, individuals can help law enforcement build strong cases for potential prosecution, ultimately holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
The Murder of Preston Lord
The tragic events leading up to Preston Lord’s murder unfolded during a Halloween party in Queen Creek, where a group of teenagers, including members of the Gilbert Goons, were in attendance. The party, which began at a relatively tame gathering of “Mormon kids” according to witnesses, escalated into a chaotic and violent scene as more teens arrived throughout the evening.
A Snapchat post advertising a “Halloween costume rager” with the address of the party location also mentioned free alcohol, attracting a large crowd of over 200 teenagers from local high schools. The party took a dark turn when a group of older boys, including members of the Gilbert Goons, began following and harassing Lord and his friends, culminating in a violent altercation that resulted in Lord’s tragic death.
Witnesses reported seeing Renner punch Lord, causing him to lose consciousness, followed by others kicking and beating him. Despite efforts to intervene, the attackers continued until someone declared that Lord was no longer responsive, prompting them to flee the scene. Lord was later found in the roadway with life-threatening injuries and ultimately succumbed to his wounds two days after the incident.
The Role of Social Media in Fueling Violence
The Gilbert Goons’ activities, including the assault that led to Preston Lord’s murder, were often documented and shared on social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram. These platforms allowed the group to showcase their violent behavior, as well as their possession of illegal substances and weapons, to a wider audience.
Snapchat, in particular, played a significant role in the Gilbert Goons’ activities, with members using the platform to communicate with each other before and after the murder of Preston Lord. Messages exchanged between group members hinted at their involvement in violent acts, with one individual allegedly boasting about killing a kid in a group fight. These messages, along with other incriminating evidence, were circulated on social media, prompting the need for a campaign to discourage the reposting of such content.
The aftermath of Lord’s murder saw a wave of rumors and misinformation spread through local high schools and social media platforms, exacerbating tensions and leading to false accusations against individuals who were not involved in the crime. This cycle of online vigilantism and misinformation underscored the damaging impact of social media in perpetuating violence and discord within communities.
Legal Challenges and Trial Proceedings
The legal proceedings following the arrests of the seven Gilbert Goons have been complex and contentious. The defense attorneys representing the accused individuals have raised concerns about the use of the term “hybrid gang” by prosecutors, arguing that it is not defined under Arizona law and may prejudice the case against their clients.
Attorney Eric Crocker, who represents Treston Billey, one of the defendants, expressed reservations about the fairness of the trial and the potential bias associated with labeling the Gilbert Goons as a hybrid gang. The defense team is adamant that their clients are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, and they are prepared to challenge the prosecution’s narrative during the trial proceedings.
Despite the challenges and legal complexities surrounding the case, the trial for the seven defendants is scheduled to begin in July 2025. The defense attorneys anticipate a lengthy and thorough process due to the extensive electronic and physical evidence that needs to be reviewed and analyzed. The outcome of the trial will have far-reaching implications for the individuals involved, as well as the broader community impacted by the actions of the Gilbert Goons.
Moving Forward: Addressing Youth Violence and Social Media Influence
The case of the Gilbert Goons serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked youth violence and the negative impact of social media on impressionable individuals. The escalation of seemingly ordinary teenagers into a violent and criminal gang highlights the need for proactive measures to address the root causes of such behavior and prevent future tragedies.
Parents, educators, and law enforcement agencies must work together to educate young people about the consequences of their actions, both online and offline. Initiatives like the “Report! Don’t Repost” campaign can help empower individuals to take a stand against violence and criminal behavior by reporting incidents to the appropriate authorities.
Furthermore, social media platforms must play a more proactive role in monitoring and regulating content that promotes violence and illegal activities. Companies like Snap Inc. and Meta, which own popular platforms like Snapchat and Instagram, have a responsibility to ensure that their platforms are not being used to glorify criminal behavior or incite violence.
Ultimately, the case of the Gilbert Goons underscores the need for a multifaceted approach to addressing youth violence, including community involvement, education, and stricter regulation of social media content. By working together to address the underlying causes of violence and providing support and resources to at-risk individuals, we can prevent future tragedies and create a safer and more inclusive community for all.
In conclusion, the rise of the Gilbert Goons and the tragic murder of Preston Lord serve as a sobering reminder of the destructive power of youth violence and the influence of social media on impressionable individuals. By addressing the root causes of such behavior and promoting responsible online conduct, we can work towards a safer and more harmonious society for future generations.