One of seven teens and young adults charged in the 2023 beating death of 16-year-old Preston Lord has pleaded guilty in the case.
William Owen Hines is the first defendant to cut a deal with prosecutors, lowering his charge from murder to manslaughter.
Hines admitted to kicking Lord as he lay on the ground during the gang-style assault at a Halloween party in Queen Creek. He died two days later.
Lord's mother, Autumn Curiel, spoke at the court hearing this week.
"Accountability is crucial. This defendant must answer for his actions, and we believe a plea agreement is appropriate in this case," Curiel said.
Hines faces up to 21 years in prison when he is sentenced in May. Criminal cases against the remaining six defendants are ongoing.
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