A defendant in Preston Lord’s killing has been arrested for a third time while out on bond, as six people await trial in the case tied to the Gilbert Goons.
Tempe police arrested Talyn Vigil, 20, and another man Sept. 17 on misdemeanor charges of reckless driving and exhibition of speed. Officers said they saw the men racing motorcycles near Arizona State University.
The Gilbert Goons became the focus of an Arizona Republic investigation that documented attacks on teenagers across the southeast Valley and tied the group to Lord’s fatal beating.
Here’s what to know about the Goons, the Lord case and Vigil’s latest arrest.
Who are the Gilbert Goons?
The Gilbert Goons are a teen gang whose members recorded themselves attacking other teenagers in parks, mall parking lots, outside
fast food restaurants and at house parties.
A December 2023 Republic investigation documented at least seven attacks involving the group over the preceding year, drawing on interviews, court and police records, social media posts and videos.
Some victims were beaten with brass knuckles. Parents described threats and fears that the group would retaliate against their children.
Why was Talyn Vigil arrested in Tempe?
Officers saw Vigil and another man racing motorcycles near ASU just before 3 p.m. Sept. 17, Tempe police said. The men split traffic, performed burnouts at intersections and drag raced, according to police.
Both were taken to Tempe City Jail, and their motorcycles were towed and impounded.
How many times has Vigil been arrested while out on bond?
The arrest was Vigil’s third since his release on a $1 million bond in 2024. He was arrested in 2025 on charges of violating an order of protection and in February 2026 on a reckless driving charge involving a dirt bike.
He was arrested in 2025 on charges of violating an order of protection and in February 2026 on a reckless driving charge involving a dirt bike.
Why had Vigil remained on house arrest?
Vigil’s release conditions required approval before he could leave home. Prosecutors asked a judge to change or revoke those conditions following his February arrest.
Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Sam Myers denied that request April 1. Myers said he did not believe Vigil posed a threat to the community or would fail to appear in court.
Vigil’s attorney, Jason Gronski, argued at a March hearing that his client had complied with his release conditions. Gronski said Vigil repaired motorcycles in his driveway and disputed how the dirt bike incident had been portrayed.
What have prosecutors said about the latest arrest?
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office said Sept. 18 that prosecutors were aware of Vigil’s arrest.
“Any action we take will be done through the appropriate channels in court,” office spokesperson Erin Pellett said.
It was unclear whether the latest arrest would lead Myers to reconsider Vigil’s release, as of Sept. 21.
How is Vigil connected to the Preston Lord case?
Vigil is among seven people charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping in Lord’s killing. Prosecutors say members of the teen gang known as the Gilbert Goons attacked Lord at a Halloween party in Queen Creek on Oct. 28, 2023.
Lord, 16, died two days later. He attended Combs High School in San Tan Valley, where he served on the student council and played basketball, football and golf.
Six defendants, including Vigil, have pleaded not guilty and were awaiting trial as of Sept. 21.
The seventh, William “Owen” Hines, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2025 under a plea agreement.
When will the Preston Lord trials begin?
As of Sept. 21, the first of multiple trials was scheduled to begin in November, though that date could change.
Five of the six defendants awaiting trial were out on bond.
Arizona Republic reporters Robert Anglen, Elena Santa Cruz and Perry Vandell contributed to this article.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'Gilbert Goon' arrested again before Preston Lord trial. What happened
