GILBERT, AZ — One of the suspects in the Preston Lord case was sentenced to 17 years in prison Friday for multiple crimes.
William Owen Hines changed his plea in March in four cases, including Preston's. Prosecutors recommended the maximum sentence Hines could have received under his plea agreement, which was 21 years behind bars. The judge gave Hines five years in prison for an aggravated assault case unrelated to Lord's death. He also sentenced him to 12 years in prison for manslaughter in Lord's death, totaling 17. Hines will also receive credit for time served in prison.
Watch William Hines' sentencing in the player below:
Preston was attacked and beaten while leaving a Queen Creek Halloween party in 2023. Months later, seven suspects were arrested and charged in the case. Hines was originally charged with murder and kidnapping.
"He’s pleaded guilty, and he’s the first one to do so," said Hines' attorney Rachel Golubovich.
Hines' attorneys focused on his age, fear of being in jail, and the possibility of treatment for alcoholism. Golubovich played two calls where Hines seemed to express remorse for his actions.
"I didn’t know Preston personally, but he seemed like an astounding man; a kind soul senselessly taken from this world," said Hines as he apologized in court.
Preston Lord's parents said they weren't displeased with the sentencing, but they know they have a long road ahead.
ABC15 has extensively covered the other teen violence cases tied to Hines, but a sentencing memorandum filed by the state alleges new details about the teen's criminal history, time in jail, and actions the night Preston was killed.
Hines' criminal history
Prosecutors write that Hines' criminal history began in the juvenile justice system in November 2022. Hines is currently 19 years old and charged as an adult in all four of his current cases.
Hines was accused of shoplifting and an aggravated assault case. The victim in that assault was Dale Jorgensen. He spoke with ABC15 in the months following Preston's death, coming forward to police around the same time. Dale was attacked by a group, including Hines. According to prosecutors, one of the other assailants, Tyler Freeman, was wearing brass knuckles during the group attack. Freeman also pleaded guilty in this attack, along with several other teen violence cases.
Just 10 days later, in December 2022, prosecutors say Hines was caught on video during another assault at the Gilbert In-N-Out parking lot.
"Exhibit 1, Video 11 shows Hines run up to the victim as he is already pinned against a car and then proceeds to punch the victim from behind approximately nine (9) times," the court document reads.
During that same month, Hines was accused of stealing a safe and jewelry from a home during a teen party.
"The safe contained a large amount of cash along with important documents," wrote prosecutors.
In July of 2023, Hines was accused of vehicular aggravated assault. According to court documents, the teen was intoxicated while driving in Gilbert and tried to turn left against a red turn arrow. Prosecutors say Hines caused a collision, injuring another driver who ended up with a traumatic brain injury. Court documents say testing showed Hines' alcohol concentration to be .107.
Hines was given probation in the other two cases involved, to be served after he is released from prison.
Preston Lord
Hines was one of seven suspects arrested in March of 2024. All seven were charged with murder in Preston's case. Hines ultimately pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter.
"Although Hines admitted to striking Preston, the defense and the State likely disagree on the full extent of Hines’ role," wrote prosecutors. "Regardless, there is no question that Hines chose to participate in this blitz-style attack that engulfed Preston before he could escape."
When Hines changed his plea, he specifically apologized to Preston's family.
"These events have horrified me since the moment I saw the news," said Hines.
Despite Hines describing his sobriety to the court during his change of plea hearing, prosecutors still express a concern throughout their filing. Court documents show they specifically claim a danger to the community, regarding Hines' consumption of alcohol.
Photos allegedly taken in the hours after Preston's attack are included in the court documents. Two appear to show Hines holding a vodka bottle while behind the wheel of a car, and another holding a "semi-automatic pistol."
Prosecutors also quote jailhouse phone calls they say were made by Hines during his time in custody. The state alleges the teen may be making and consuming "jail alcohol."
"Unfortunately, based on the above jail calls, Mr. Hines has not remained sober and is not yet committed to overcoming his addictions," wrote prosecutors.
As for the other suspects in Preston's death, all six are still charged with murder. Taylor Sherman and Jacob Meisner have settlement conferences set for the end of May. A trial date is still currently set for July.
