GILBERT, ARIZONA – An 18-year-old has been sentenced to years in DOC custody for his involvement in violent assaults using brass knuckles on multiple teenagers. Tyler Freeman, the accused, pleaded guilty to two separate attacks, one occurring at a party and the other at an In-N-Out in Gilbert. During the sentencing, Judge Bruce Cohen heard testimonies from prosecutors, Freeman’s family, and Freeman himself. Video evidence of the assaults and disturbing jailhouse phone calls made by Freeman while in custody were also presented in court.
Freeman’s string of violent offenses dates back to 2022, starting with an incident in November of that year at a house party on the outskirts of Gilbert and Queen Creek. The victim, Dale Jorgensen, recounted the altercation where a confrontation escalated into a group attack, with one individual using brass knuckles on him. Jorgensen came forward with his account after the death of Preston Lord, leading to the arrest of several individuals, including Freeman.
In a separate incident from December 2022 at the Gilbert In-N-Out, Freeman, along with another individual, was arrested for their involvement in another assault using brass knuckles. Prosecutors revealed in court that fear prevented at least one victim from cooperating with the prosecution.
During the sentencing in November 2024, prosecutors portrayed Freeman as the instigator and leader of the assaults, showcasing videos and presenting Snapchat messages that displayed threats and a lack of remorse. Freeman’s mother addressed the court, describing her son as a good person whose life took a negative turn two years prior. Freeman’s attorney highlighted his client’s previous positive trajectory before these criminal incidents.
In a heartfelt apology, Freeman acknowledged his actions and expressed remorse, claiming that the tone of the phone calls did not reflect his true feelings. Judge Cohen engaged Freeman directly, questioning his involvement with a group known as the Gilbert Goons. Despite denying participation initially, Freeman later described the group as a “friend group.”
In his sentencing, Judge Cohen emphasized Freeman’s lack of consideration for his victims and handed down a two-and-a-half-year sentence for the two cases to run concurrently. Freeman received credit for 268 days already served and expressed a desire for rehabilitation and a future of serving his community. The defense attorney acknowledged the shocking nature of the phone calls but maintained that Freeman’s intentions were not to harm the Lord family.
Overall, the case shed light on a disturbing trend of teen violence in the East Valley, highlighting the consequences of such actions on individuals and communities. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and rehabilitation in addressing violent behavior among young adults.