In the case of the tragic beating death of 16-year-old Preston Lord, a 1,110-page police report has shed light on the timeline of events and the role social media played in the months-long investigation. Released on Thursday, the report outlines how the Queen Creek Police Department swiftly identified seven suspects involved in the crime.

Addressing one of the main criticisms regarding the length of time it took to make arrests, the report clarifies that Talyn Vigil, one of the suspects, was already considered a person of interest on Day 1 of the investigation. Two other individuals were also quickly linked to Lord's death, with digital messages serving as the most incriminating evidence.

Over the course of five months, detectives and prosecutors gathered substantial evidence. The report reveals that several altercations occurred outside a Halloween house party in Queen Creek. Talan Renner confessed to becoming agitated after a video was taken of a friend wearing brass knuckles, prompting him to confront the person responsible. Dominic Turner then took a $10 chain from one of Preston's friends and handed it to Treston Billey.

On the night of the attack, Renner allegedly texted someone, stating, "got in a fight... killed a kid... guess I don't know my own strength." Additionally, multiple individuals reported a Snapchat post by Vigil, wherein he claimed, "I hit a kid and he fell—the kid died." Vigil was considered a person of interest and was visited by investigators, who discovered he was wearing the same clothes he had worn on the night of the incident.

Searches were conducted in the homes of the suspects, resulting in the confiscation of clothing, cellphones, electronic devices, and DNA samples. The police report also revealed conversations about the FBI's $10,000 reward, with Taylor Sherman allegedly considering coming forward with information. There were even discussions among some of the suspects and their parents about potentially cashing in on the reward.

The investigation identified six suspects—William Owen Hines, Jacob Meisner, Talan Renner, Treston Billey, Dominic Turner, and Talyn Vigil—along with Taylor Sherman listed as "involved." Four of these suspects, Renner, Turner, Vigil, and Hines, were charged with first-degree murder, felony murder, and kidnapping. Turner faced additional charges of aggravated robbery. Three more arrests were made in connection with Preston's death, with Sherman, Meisner, and Billey facing charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping. Meisner was also charged with aggravated robbery.

The timeline of events surrounding the investigation is as follows: a call about a possible disturbance near 194th and Via Del Oro was received by the Queen Creek Police Department's non-emergency line at 9:07 p.m., and officers were diverted to another call. However, at 9:49 p.m., a 911 call reporting an assault in the same area led officers to find Preston Lord injured. Despite lifesaving efforts, Lord tragically passed away at Phoenix Children's Hospital.

Throughout the investigation, the Queen Creek community rallied together, holding a candlelight vigil at Combs High School and participating in the "Light Up the Night" initiative to honor Preston Lord's memory and promote safety for all children.

Queen Creek Police Chief Randy Brice and County Attorney Rachel Mitchell provided updates on the investigation, assuring the public that progress was being made, though no arrests had yet been made. However, Mitchell later confirmed that four individuals had been indicted for murder in Lord's death, with three more indictments following, bringing the total number of suspects to seven.

As the investigation continues, the Queen Creek Police Department is urging anyone with relevant information or footage from the night of the incident to come forward. The community remains hopeful that justice will be served for Preston Lord and his grieving family.

Please note that this article is based on the information provided in the police report and does not imply guilt or innocence on the part of the suspects mentioned. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.