Phoenix, Arizona – The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday that they will not pursue the death penalty for the three suspects involved in the Preston Lord murder case who were eligible for it. This decision comes after much consideration by the prosecutors.
Dominic Turner, Taylor Sherman, and Treston Billey, all 18 at the time of the crime, were among the seven suspects in the case who could have faced capital punishment. With the others ineligible due to being minors at the time of the incident, a complex legal process lies ahead for the defendants.
The trio, along with four other suspects, are facing charges of first-degree felony murder and/or second-degree murder. The case allows for the state to present both options at trial, leaving the final verdict in the hands of the jury.
In addition to the murder charges, Billey, Meisner, and Turner are also facing aggravated robbery charges. If convicted, the potential sentences range from natural life in prison to the opportunity for release after 25 years on community supervision.
The trial date for the case is tentatively set for July 2025, with all seven defendants maintaining their pleas of not guilty. The tragic incident that led to Lord’s death occurred outside a Halloween party last October. None of the suspects were acquainted with Lord prior to that night.
The prosecution has emphasized that the decision not to seek the death penalty does not diminish the seriousness of the charges these individuals are facing. The legal proceedings will continue to unfold, potentially leading to various outcomes for each of the defendants involved in this heartbreaking case.