William Owen Hines Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Manslaughter and Aggravated Assault in the 2023 Beating Death of 16-Year-Old Preston Lord
William Owen Hines Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Manslaughter and Aggravated Assault in the 2023 Beating Death of 16-Year-Old Preston Lord; Seven Defendants Charged in the Case
On May 2, 2025, William Owen Hines was sentenced to 17 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter and aggravated assault in connection with the brutal beating death of 16-year-old Preston Lord. This case, which has drawn national attention, involves seven defendants charged in the fatal attack that occurred during a Halloween party in Queen Creek, Arizona, in 2023.(KJZZ)
The Incident
On October 28, 2023, Preston Lord, an honors student and athlete from Queen Creek, Arizona, was fatally beaten outside a Halloween party. The attack was allegedly instigated by the theft of a $10 gold necklace from one of Lord’s friends. When Lord and his friends attempted to retrieve the stolen item, a confrontation ensued, leading to Lord being chased and brutally assaulted by a group of teenagers and young adults. Despite life-saving efforts, Lord succumbed to his injuries two days later .(People.com, Pro Soccer Wire, Pro Soccer Wire, The US Sun)
The Defendants
The following individuals have been charged in connection with Preston Lord’s death:
- Talan Renner (17) – Charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and kidnapping.
- Dominic Turner (20) – Charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, kidnapping, and aggravated robbery.
- Talyn Vigil (17) – Charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and kidnapping.
- William Owen Hines (18) – Charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and kidnapping.
- Taylor Sherman (19) – Charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and kidnapping.
- Jacob Meisner (17) – Charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, kidnapping, and aggravated robbery.
- Treston Billey (18) – Charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, kidnapping, and aggravated robbery.(Pro Soccer Wire, Pro Soccer Wire)
All defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges .(FOX 10 Phoenix)
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
William Owen Hines is the first defendant to plead guilty, reducing his charge from murder to manslaughter. He admitted to kicking Preston Lord during the gang-style assault. In exchange for his guilty plea, Hines was sentenced to 17 years in prison. The remaining six defendants are scheduled for trial, with a July 2025 trial date considered realistic by the presiding judge .(KJZZ, FOX 10 Phoenix)
Community Impact and Response
The death of Preston Lord has had a profound impact on the Queen Creek community and has sparked national outrage. The case has renewed calls for justice against youth violence and has highlighted concerns about gang activity among teenagers. Community members have expressed their support for Lord’s family and have participated in vigils and memorials to honor his memory.(People.com)
Conclusion
The sentencing of William Owen Hines marks a significant development in the case of Preston Lord’s tragic death. As the legal proceedings continue for the remaining defendants, the community remains hopeful for justice and a resolution to this heartbreaking incident.
References
Note: The above article is a comprehensive overview of the case based on available information. As legal proceedings are ongoing, further developments may emerge.
