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Two Years After Preston Lord’s Killing, Case Advances Toward 2026 Trial

A November court deadline now governs pretrial filings in a complex case that helped spur tougher Arizona penalties for group assaults.

Overview

  • The six remaining defendants are set for a January 12, 2026 trial after a mid‑2025 date was moved to accommodate review of extensive evidence.
  • Judges set November 12 for any defense motions to sever the cases, with prosecutors noting disclosures are complete while acknowledging the trial may not start in January.
  • Only Jacob Meisner remains in jail; others are out on bond under release conditions, and Talyn Vigil was arrested in September on suspicion of violating a protection order in a separate misdemeanor case.
  • William “Owen” Hines pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced in May to 12 years in prison, while the other defendants have pleaded not guilty.
  • The case prompted statewide and local changes, including Preston’s Law increasing penalties for group beatdowns, city brass‑knuckle restrictions, reopened investigations, and a community walk at 6 p.m. to honor Lord.