Preston Lord murder: Millionaire father accused of covering up brutal killing of 16-year-old to protect his son

Arizona businessman Travis Renner has been accused of helping his teen son cover up the murder
UPDATED MAR 16, 2024
Preston Lord was fatally assaulted at a Halloween party on October 28, 2023 (GoFundMe)
Preston Lord was fatally assaulted at a Halloween party on October 28, 2023 (GoFundMe)

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA: The murder investigation of Preston Lord unravels with disturbing revelations.

Seven individuals, among them Jacob Meisner (17), Talan Renner (17), Taylor Sherman (19), Dominic Turner (20), William Owen Hines (18), Talyn Vigil (19), and an additional suspect known as "Billey," have entered not guilty pleas to charges of murder and kidnapping in connection with the brutal beating death of 16-year-old Preston Lord.

The incident, which occurred following a Halloween party on October 28, 2023, resulted in Lord's tragic passing just two days later.

Court documents indicate that the attack was motivated by a dispute over a gold chain, with none of the accused having prior knowledge of the victim.

Seven young men including high school football star Talan Renner, 17, have been charged in the brutal murder of Preston Lord, 16, who was beaten to death (Maxpreps)
Seven young men including high school football star Talan Renner, 17, have been charged in the brutal murder of Preston Lord, 16, who was beaten to death (Maxpreps)

Talan Renner's family allegedly orchestrated an escape plan for him

However, what further darkens this already harrowing tale is the alleged involvement of Renner's father, Travis Renner.

Reports indicate that he devised plans to transport his son to a secluded cabin following the assault, purportedly to assist in the healing of injuries sustained during the attack.

Arizona businessman Travis Renner has been accused of helping his teen son cover up the murder of a 16-year-old boy who was beaten to death after a house party (X)
Arizona businessman Travis Renner has been accused of helping his teen son cover up the murder of a 16-year-old boy who was beaten to death after a house party (X)

Shockingly, investigators also noted the Renner family has the “financial means to aid in fleeing to Mexico," reported Crime Online.

Allegations of favoritism toward the Renner family surface

As investigators painstakingly pieced together the case over several months, frustration and anger brewed among residents who accused influential families of obstructing justice.

Such sentiments intensified amidst reports of preferential treatment extended to Renner's parents by Maricopa County Sheriff's Office deputies.

Dominic, Taylor, William (Maricopa County Sheriff's office)
 Dominic Turner, Taylor Sherman and William Owen Hines (Maricopa County Sheriff's office)

The unauthorized escort of the Renners by deputies to avoid journalists at Durango Juvenile Court incited outrage, resulting in their subsequent reassignment.

Subsequently, reports circulated regarding preferential treatment extended to Renner's parents by Maricopa County Sheriff's Office deputies.

Treston Billey (left) and Talyn Vigil (right) have also been charged in Preston's murder
Treston Billey and Talyn Vigil have also been charged in Preston's murder (Maricopa County Sheriff's office)

“After a thorough review, we learned MCSO personnel conducted an unauthorized family escort,” MSCO said. All seven suspects, who are charged as adults, will appear in court again on April 30.

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