An Arizona “Gilbert Goons” gang member accused of killing a teenager in a Halloween group attack has been arrested for drag racing while under house arrest — marking his third arrest since the alleged 2023 murder.
Talyn Vigil, who is awaiting trial in the death of 16-year-old Preston Lord, was charged with reckless driving and racing on a highway. He was released Thursday night on a $5,000 bond, according to court records reviewed by The Post.
Vigil, 20, was allegedly seen near Arizona State University’s campus in Tempe performing burnouts, racing and driving recklessly on a motorcycle alongside another rider as the two sped through city streets, ABC 15 reported.
“Both men were observed by police officers splitting traffic, performing burnouts while stopped at intersections, and participating in an exhibition of speed, including drag racing and disregarding Arizona traffic laws,” Tempe police told the outlet. “Their actions demonstrated a flagrant and reckless disregard for the safety of other motorists.”
Vigil spent the night in custody before being released from jail on bond, according to court records.
A judge revoked his driving privileges after the incident. In court, Vigil acknowledged the decision while saying he would stop driving himself.
“I honestly, I agree with you,” Vigil said in court Friday, according to AZFamily. “So you guys take it, completely OK with me because I don’t … I’m not going to say anything, you know, but wasn’t my fault, and I’m honestly going to stay off of driving myself.”
Vigil had already been arrested twice before Thursday night’s traffic stop.
In September 2025, he allegedly violated a protection order by making in-person contact and sending electronic communications, despite the release conditions imposed on him, ABC15 reported.
The then-19-year-old was arrested again in February on a separate reckless-driving charge.
Vigil has remained under house arrest with electronic monitoring as part of the conditions of his release in Lord’s murder case.
Vigil was arrested in March 2024 and charged with kidnapping and murder in connection with Lord’s fatal beating at a Halloween party in Queen Creek, Arizona, on Oct. 28, 2023.
Lord was among approximately 250 high school-age teenagers at the party when a group of about 15 masked suspects allegedly attacked him.
The popular high school student was with friends when an argument erupted. The group then decided to leave the party.
As they headed out, another group of teenagers linked to the so-called “Gilbert Goons” followed them, according to reports.
One alleged gang member reportedly tore a necklace from one of Lord’s friends, after which another member punched the friend, The Arizona Republic reported.
Lord and his friends began running from the backyard where the party was taking place. During the escape, Lord was allegedly attacked and brought to the ground.
The suspects allegedly continued beating Lord repeatedly as he lay on the ground.
The injured teenager was left unconscious and bleeding from the mouth while witnesses tried to perform CPR.
Lord was taken to a hospital but died two days later from his injuries.
Vigil was among seven teens arrested in connection to Lord’s death. Treston Billey, William “Owen” Hines, Jacob Meisner, Talan Renner, Taylor Sherman and Dominic Turner also face charges.
Vigil, Renner and Meisner were charged as adults.
Vigil allegedly confessed to a friend over Snapchat that he was a part of the fatal attack.
“I hit a kid and this kid hit his head,” Vigil said to the unidentified, according to police. “And then they kicked his head in the ground and then I got word he died so idk.”
Hines is the only suspect who took a deal with prosecutors and was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
All other defendants are awaiting trial set for November.
