PHOENIX, AZ – Two arrests have been made in connection with violent attacks on minors in the East Valley last year, according to authorities.
Jacob Pennington, 20, of Gilbert, was arrested Wednesday morning for his involvement in a November attack in San Tan Valley, the Pinal County Sheriff’s office announced. In a separate case, Christopher Fantastic, 18, was arrested in connection with an August assault in Gilbert.
Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb told investigators used video and other evidence to identify Pennington in a Nov. 18 attack on a 16-year-old boy. Video shows multiple people assaulting the victim in a desert area near Wagon Wheel Road and Sun Dance Drive.
Arrested and booked on one count each of assault with intent to injure and aggravated robbery, Christopher Fantastic’s bond was set at $25,000, and his next court appearance was scheduled for Jan. 17. Brooke Gaunt, who represented the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office during Fantastic’s initial court appearance, said the victim was fortunate he wasn’t injured more seriously.
It’s not clear if the San Tan Valley case is related to the notorious East Valley gang known as the Gilbert Goons. Lamb said it was the only case in his jurisdiction involving Pennington at this time. However, Gaunt implied that Fantastic was part of a group involved in multiple attacks without specifically mentioning the Goons.
The Queen Creek Police Department has submitted charges to MCAO against seven suspects on Dec. 28 in connection with the fatal assault on Queen Creek high school student Preston Lord. Lord, 16, was attacked outside a Halloween party on Oct. 28 and died of his injuries in a hospital two days later. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said it will take some time to sort through the submission, which included an 1,800-page report and about 2,000 pieces of evidence, including 600 videos.
In conclusion, Jacob Pennington, 20, and Christopher Fantastic, 18, were arrested in connection to violent assaults on minors in the East Valley last year, and the investigation into the fatal assault on Queen Creek high school student Preston Lord continues.