QUICK SUMMARY
The Arizona Republic's documentary on the “Gilbert Goons” has been recognized as a finalist in the local video storytelling category of the Scripps Howard Journalism Awards. The reporting, which linked a fatal beating to a gang of teenagers, has drawn attention for exposing police inaction and community outrage. The category winner will be announced on June 10.
The Arizona Republic's documentary on the “Gilbert Goons” has been recognized as a finalist in the local video storytelling category of the Scripps Howard Journalism Awards. Created by videographer Michael Chow and reporters Robert Anglen and Elena Santa Cruz, the documentary investigates the fatal beating of 16-year-old Preston Lord in the Phoenix suburbs. This incident drew widespread attention as it linked to a gang of elite teenagers whose assaults on other teens had gone largely unaddressed by police for more than a year. The Scripps Howard competition focuses on journalism that spurs action and highlights previously undisclosed information. Other finalists include ABC 15 Arizona for "Policing Phoenix: The DOJ Report" and Frontline (PBS) for "Maui's Deadly Firestorm." The award winner will be announced online on June 10. Additionally, Anglen, Santa Cruz, and Chow are finalists in the 2025 Investigative Reporters and Editors contest for their reporting on the “Goons.” Judges praised their exhaustive investigation, which revealed community outrage and cover-up attempts by local authorities.