By Jonathan Eberle |

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has signed HB 2611, also known as “Preston’s Law,” into law, marking a significant change in how the state prosecutes violent assaults involving multiple offenders. The legislation, championed by State Representative Matt Gress (R-LD4), was named in honor of 16-year-old Preston Lord, who was killed in a brutal group assault in October 2023.

The new law classifies coordinated violent group assaults that result in physical injury as aggravated assault—a class 4 felony under Arizona law. Prior to this legislation, Arizona statutes lacked specific language addressing violent attacks carried out by multiple individuals acting together, limiting the ability of prosecutors to pursue enhanced charges in such cases.

“Preston’s Law ensures that those who commit violent acts as a group will face real consequences,” said Rep. Gress in a statement. “We’ve seen what happens when mobs believe they can act with impunity. This law sends a clear message: if you gang up to hurt someone, you will be held accountable.”

The law’s passage follows public outcry and widespread grief over the circumstances of Lord’s death, which drew attention to what many saw as a gap in the legal system when it comes to addressing group violence, particularly among teenagers. The case prompted renewed discussion about youth violence and accountability, especially in suburban communities where such incidents have historically been rare but have become more visible through social media and viral videos.

Gress worked closely with Preston Lord’s family and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to draft the bill. The bill moved through the Arizona Legislature with broad bipartisan support, reflecting a shared desire to address organized violence and enhance protections for victims.

Lord’s death became a rallying point for change, with his family actively advocating for new laws to ensure other families don’t suffer the same fate. “We honor Preston Lord by making his name a legacy of reform—not just a reminder of tragedy,” Gress said.

Under current Arizona law, aggravated assault encompasses a range of scenarios, such as assaults with deadly weapons or against certain protected classes. With Preston’s Law now enacted, group coordination becomes a specific aggravating factor, giving prosecutors stronger grounds to pursue felony charges when more than one person participates in an assault.

Jonathan Eberle is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.