Community Forum Tackles Rising Teen Violence in Gilbert

In Gilbert, Arizona, community leaders, parents, and law enforcement officials convened on August 27, 2023, to confront the alarming rise in incidents of teen violence. The forum, hosted by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and the Chandler Police Department, aimed to foster communication and develop preventive strategies.

The discussion highlighted the tragic cases of recent youth violence, including the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Michael Montoya II and a separate incident involving a teenager assaulted for his shoes. Such events underscore the urgent need for community engagement and proactive measures. Rachel Mitchell, the Maricopa County Attorney, expressed concern over the statistics surrounding teen violence, stating, “We’re here to educate people about the prevalence of teen violence to come up with some community-oriented solutions.”

At the forum, law enforcement and legal experts shared insights on the latest trends in youth violence and emphasized the importance of collaboration among families, schools, and community members. Chandler Police Chief Bryan Chapman stated that teen violence is preventable with the right partnerships in place, noting, “Engaging in those conversations, having some tangible outcomes and partnership with some consistency to it, these are the only ways that we’re going to start making some inroads.”

The event also offered a platform for families directly impacted by violence. Melissa Ciconte, the stepmother of Preston Lord, who was killed outside a Halloween party in Queen Creek in 2023, shared her personal experience. Ciconte emphasized the importance of open dialogue between parents and children, saying, “Everybody thinks that will never happen to their child. And unfortunately, it happened to Preston.” She advocated for parents to engage in meaningful conversations with their teens about safety and wellbeing.

For attendees like Samantha Kluger, the message was particularly resonant. Bringing her son Ben to the forum, Kluger highlighted the significance of awareness, stating, “As a mother of a teen child, it’s important to listen because one choice can completely alter your life.” She expressed a desire for her child to understand the weight of decisions and their potential consequences.

The forum’s discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for community-oriented solutions to combat teen violence. By fostering open communication and collaboration, community leaders and families hope to create a safer environment for young people. The challenges ahead are significant, but the commitment to addressing them is strong among those who gathered in Gilbert.