Community Forum Tackles Rising Teen Violence in Gilbert, Arizona

A community forum held on August 27, 2023, in Gilbert, Arizona, brought together parents and local leaders to confront the alarming rise in teen violence. Hosted by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and the Chandler Police Department, the event aimed to foster discussions on prevention strategies and community solutions.

With incidents such as the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Michael Montoya II and the beating of another teen over a pair of shoes, the necessity of addressing this issue has become increasingly urgent. Rachel Mitchell, the Maricopa County Attorney, emphasized the rising statistics regarding teen violence and the importance of education in combating this trend. “We’re here to educate people about the prevalence of teen violence to come up with some community-oriented solutions,” she stated.

Community partnerships emerged as a key theme during the forum. Bryan Chapman, Chief of the Chandler Police Department, asserted that teen violence is not an unavoidable outcome and can be mitigated through collaboration. “Engaging in those conversations, having some tangible outcomes and partnerships with consistency, these are the only ways that we’re going to start making some inroads,” Chapman explained.

The forum also served as a platform for families personally impacted by violence. Melissa Ciconte, the stepmother of Preston Lord, who was fatally beaten outside a Halloween party in 2023, shared her poignant experience. “Everybody thinks that will never happen to their child,” Ciconte remarked. She attended the forum to advocate for better communication between parents and their children. “We know that we’ll never eradicate teen violence, but if we can help decrease the likelihood of it, it’s beneficial,” she added. Ciconte urged parents to engage in meaningful conversations about their children’s lives, both at home and in school.

For many attendees, the forum’s message resonated deeply. Samantha Kluger, a mother who brought her son Ben, highlighted the importance of awareness. “As a mother of a teen child, it’s important to listen because one choice can completely alter your life,” Kluger noted. “I want my child to know that one bad decision can really change things.”

The event showcased a collective commitment to addressing teen violence through education and open dialogue. As community leaders and families shared their insights and experiences, the gathering underscored the critical need for collaboration in fostering safer environments for youth. The discussions aim to create actionable strategies that can help protect teens and reduce their involvement with the criminal justice system.

As Gilbert grapples with the challenges of rising teen violence, forums like this one play an essential role in uniting parents, law enforcement, and community leaders in the fight for safer neighborhoods. Moving forward, continued engagement and proactive measures will be crucial in addressing this pressing issue.