One year ago, Gilbert teenager Preston Lord was fatally beaten at a Halloween party. He was 16.
It was an attack that brought intense scrutiny to teen violence in the East Valley. On Monday evening — the one-year anniversary of his death — a memorial was held in Queen Creek.
The Light the Night memorial was held by the water at Frontier Family Park.
Family and community members spoke to a crowd wearing orange — Preston’s favorite color — before paper lanterns were released into the water.
Among the speakers were Lord's mother, his grandfather, and community members like Ann Doucette, who said that each step the community takes is a testament to the impact Lord made on all of them.
"In the wake of that loss, we came together," she said. "We joined hands and began this journey together, not just to remember Preston, but to honor his spirit, his kindness, and his legacy."
A community did come together after Lord's death — one that demanded justice for not just Preston Lord but all victims of teen violence.
Lord's grandfather said he wished he'd gotten the chance to ride a motorcycle with him.
"Yesterday, I did a ride in your honor and I'm embarrassed to say I never got to ride with you," he said. "You sat on my bike many times and I'd always promised to take you for a ride, and I will always regret that I never did that."
Lord's mother then spoke, recalling the emotions she felt when she first saw him in the hospital before he died — disbelief, confusion, anger and frustration.
She said she felt helpless, knowing there was nothing she could do.
"Saying goodbye to him was one of the hardest things I ever had to do," she said. "Grief-stricken in that moment, my whole world changed. Some days I tell God it's too much ... Some days I buckle down and do the best I can."
After months of community outcry, seven teens were eventually arrested for Lord's murder, but none have yet been convicted.
Amid the mourning, there was also a message for the community to keep fighting for justice.
"Injustice for Preston would be like murdering him a second time," his mother said.
Before people began walking to the water's edge to release their lanterns, she said the lights would represent the souls of all youth who have been affected by teen violence.
Her parting message was addressed directly to Preston.
"Son, we miss you dearly and will love you for eternity. You are forever etched in our hearts, always loved, never forgotten, and forever missed."
