Over time, their bond morphed into what has been described as a “hybrid gang.”
Despite their privileged backgrounds, the group became involved in a series of assaults and public disturbances, which they eagerly documented and shared on social media.
Arizona attorney Billie Tarascio has commented on the role social media played in the group’s evolution into a gang. “It’s largely, I think, influenced by social media, specifically Snapchat,” Tarascio noted, highlighting how the platform allowed the group to gain notoriety among their peers.
The Halloween Party That Turned Deadly
The Gilbert Goons’ most infamous act took place on October 28, 2023, at a Halloween party in Queen Creek, a wealthy suburb southeast of Phoenix.
Over 200 teenagers from local high schools attended the party, which quickly spiraled out of control.
Among the attendees was 16-year-old Preston Lord, a sophomore and basketball player who would tragically lose his life that night.
According to police reports, a fight broke out at the party, which escalated when one of the Goons allegedly pulled a gold chain from Lord’s neck. Lord and his friends attempted to flee but were pursued by the group.
