Matt Gress, the state representative for Arizona District 4, said that legislation passed in memory of Preston Lord reflects a commitment to justice and accountability in response to senseless violence. The statement was made on X.
“Today, House Bill 2611, known as Preston’s Law, passed the House for a final time and is headed to Governor Hobbs’ desk,” said Gress, State Representative from Arizona. “His name is now etched in our public record — not as a statistic, but as a call to action. This legislation is about accountability. Let us make Preston’s name a legacy of reform — not just a reminder of tragedy.”
In October 2023, 16-year-old Preston Lord was beaten to death in Queen Creek, Arizona, during a group attack that drew statewide outrage and calls for justice reform. According to ABC15, the case led to the introduction of HB 2611, or “Preston’s Law,” which reclassifies group assaults involving two or more people as Class 4 felonies, significantly increasing penalties. The bill passed the Arizona Legislature in early 2024 and awaits the governor’s signature. Supporters argue it will deter similar violent incidents.
According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT Data Center, juvenile arrests for violent crimes in Arizona—including homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault—have shown fluctuations over the past decade. These statistics track offenders aged 8 to 17 and underscore a persistent concern over youth violence statewide. The data support arguments for legislative interventions like Preston’s Law aimed at deterring group-based assaults.
Arizona has a precedent of enacting justice reforms in response to individual cases, including the 1990 passage of the state’s Victims’ Bill of Rights. As outlined by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office, this constitutional amendment was one of the first in the nation and gave crime victims rights to be heard and informed throughout criminal proceedings. It reflects Arizona’s ongoing pattern of strengthening legal protections following publicized incidents.
Gress began serving as a Republican representative for Arizona’s District 4 in January 2023. According to Ballotpedia, he previously worked as a public school teacher and served on a school board. His legislative priorities include education, public safety, and fiscal responsibility. Gress has been an advocate for legislation that supports victims and strengthens criminal accountability.
