Phoenix, Arizona – Two of the Gilbert Goons, Christopher Fantastic and Aris Arredondo, were scheduled to appear in court on Thursday for their alleged involvement in an assault and robbery incident in August 2023 outside of an In-N-Out restaurant in Gilbert. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell revealed that both 18-year-olds were indicted in January 2024 on charges of aggravated robbery and assault. Fantastic stands accused of punching another teen while the victim was on the ground during the attack.
The victim’s father shared with local news outlet 12News that his son had to be taken to the emergency room following the assault. Out of fear for his son’s safety, the father ultimately decided to send his son to live overseas with his mother due to the dangerous situation. In related cases, Jacob Pennington, Deleon Hayes, and Garrett Bagshaw, also connected to the Gilbert Goons group violence, had entered into plea deals, though Mitchell emphasized that the seriousness of the cases remains unchanged despite the plea agreements.
Mitchell clarified that the defendants currently in court are not charged in connection with the death of Preston Lord in Queen Creek. She emphasized the importance of accountability in such cases, stating that plea deals can aid in obtaining convictions against other individuals involved. While plea deals were accepted by some defendants, the legal proceedings continue for those facing charges related to the Gilbert Goons violence cases.
Throughout the ongoing legal process, the community awaits further developments in the case and hopes for justice to be served for the victims of the violent incidents involving the Gilbert Goons. The court appearances of Fantastic and Arredondo shed light on the impact of group violence and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions. As the legal proceedings progress, the community remains vigilant in seeking justice and resolution for those affected by the Gilbert Goons violence.