PHOENIX — Phoenix police say the body of a 29-year-old woman was found in a desert area outside of a north Phoenix neighborhood Saturday morning.
Officials say Lauren Heike was found outside a neighborhood near Scottsdale Road and Mayo Boulevard with "trauma to her body."
Police believe Heike was killed on Friday, and her body wasn't located until Saturday.
VIDEO: Detectives, friends and family members speak out about Heike:
Police say they are investigating the death as a homicide.
On Tuesday, officials say they were able to locate a short surveillance video of a person of interest who might have information on the incident.
Police say the person is described as having a dark complexion and was allegedly near the area of the crime.
NEW INFO ON HOMICIDE investigation. Police are hoping someone can help them identify the person in this short video who may have info on a homicide case from 6500 E Libby Street. Anyone with info call police or @SilentwitnessAZ
— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) May 3, 2023
Original media advisory:https://t.co/8ITIbfihky pic.twitter.com/2vnwY840NC
Heike died behind the Paradise Ridge community near a trail behind the neighborhood.
Neighbors tell ABC15 there are families and people out on the trail constantly, walking their dogs or exercising.
“It’s very unnerving. I really wish we knew what led to this. I wish we had some idea of what happened, who did it, where they’re at. I’d like to be able to go walking again and not have a safety concern,” said Amanda, a neighbor who lived in the area for three years.
Both Tom Chamberlain and Naomi Kight were walking the area Tuesday where Lauren died. They just moved to the area about a week ago and had no idea about the tragedy that happened over the weekend.
“I was thinking about going for a run by myself and now just hearing that news, I’m going to think twice before I go. Just take the treadmill,” Chamberlain said.
“Especially hearing it’s a female, roughly my age, I’m not going to be out here without him now. Maybe bring a weapon or something like that, but that’s not something you think you need on such a public and seemingly safe trail,” Kight said.
Many in the community are now scared for their own safety. ABC15 reached out to Jodi Fisher, the founder of Go Guarded, a Tucson-based company that has created self-defense tools. She hopes to help other women protect themselves while out for a walk or a run,
ABC15 submitted several questions to Phoenix Police Tuesday about the manner of Heike’s death, if she knew the suspect(s), if she lived in that area, or why she was there. Police say it is all still under investigation.
ABC15 has also reached out to Heike’s friends and family to learn more about her. They say that she worked as a food and beverage assistant at Troon North Golf Club.
“Lauren was a wonderful person and a valued associate. We are shocked and saddened to hear of her passing. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends,” said Brian Thorne in a statement, the general manager of Troon North Golf Club.
