Community members convened Friday at Chandler-Gilbert Community College for the second annual East Valley Teen Mental Health Awareness and Violence Prevention Summit. The event brought together students, parents, and local leaders to address rising concerns regarding youth violence, mental health, and the influence of social media.
The gathering occurred nearly three years after the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Preston Lord at a Halloween party in Queen Creek. According to police data cited during the event, Gilbert law enforcement has responded to 260 calls involving teen-on-teen violence since 2022. Lord’s death continues to serve as a central reference point for discussions on preventing similar tragedies in the region.
Melissa Ciconte, Lord’s stepmother, attended the summit and emphasized that victims can be targeted regardless of their personal conduct. She noted that her stepson was not involved in conflicts or problematic groups before his death. Ciconte stated that community events like this are vital for helping parents recognize issues they might otherwise miss while isolated in their daily routines.
Maricopa County Supervisor Mark Stewart organized the summit, which placed significant emphasis on digital safety. Topics included online grooming, cyberbullying, and the use of social platforms to coordinate violent acts. Attendees were urged to monitor how teenagers interact online and to recognize the risks associated with digital communication.
Students shared personal experiences during the discussions. Connor Jarnagan told the audience he was attacked by a group known as the Gilbert Goons, an incident that left him requiring stitches in his head. He has since advocated for stricter laws regarding brass knuckles, noting that Tempe, Chandler, and Gilbert have already adopted ordinances restricting their possession.
