Deputies who gave ‘unauthorized’ escort to Preston Lord murder suspect’s family reprimanded by MCSO

PHOENIX — Two Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office deputies have been formally reprimanded after they were seen giving an “unauthorized” escort to the parents of one of Preston Lord’s suspected killers.

During a court appearance on March 7, two deputies reportedly escorted the parents of Talan Renner through secure corridors and into a staff parking lot. One deputy was seen driving a white Tesla to a location where the parents were able to get into the car and drive off.

RELATED: ‘Unauthorized’ escort given to suspect’s parents in Preston Lord murder case, MCSO deputies involved reassigned

“Both deputies received written reprimands,” Sgt. Calbert Gillett, an MCSO spokesman, told 12News on Friday. He also confirmed that the agency’s investigation into the incident was complete.

Gillett did not provide further details on the investigation or the reprimand.

Court officials reportedly didn’t know about the escort until after it happened.

“The deputy was not acting at the direction of the Superior Court or the Court Security Office,” Judge Joseph C. Welty said in a statement back in March. “The action was inconsistent with court security protocol and gave the appearance of preferential treatment.”

The Preston Lord killing in Queen Creek has generated considerable media attention since the teenager was beaten during a Halloween party last October. Renner is being charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping alongside the six other suspects in the case.

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