PHOENIX — A man was taken into custody Thursday evening in connection to the murder of 29-year-old Lauren Heike, who was found dead near a trail in north Phoenix last week.
Phoenix Police Department identified the suspect as 22-year-old Zion William Teasley. He has been booked into jail on suspicion of first-degree murder and had his initial appearance in front of a judge Friday morning.
Phoenix police believe Heike was killed Friday and wasn't found until Saturday morning, in the Paradise Ridge community near Scottsdale Road and Mayo Boulevard.
Police provided an update after Teasley was taken into custody Thursday night. Watch the full press conference below:
According to police documents, Heike told friends she had plans “to go hiking with a male friend.” However, that friend was contacted by the police and he said he was not able to reach her. Her friends pinged her phone location, which was still in the area where her body was found.
"I talk to her every single day, at least once or twice a day, and texted,” said Lana Heike, the victim's mom. “Every phone call ended with, ‘I love you, mom.’”
Heike's parents and best friends never heard from her again after a routine Friday morning hike.
Investigators say Heike had been attacked from behind. She was reportedly found with defensive wounds and obvious signs of trauma. It also appeared as if she had crossed a barbed wire fence at some point.
At a news conference Friday, Lieutenant James Hester said he believes Heike fought off her attacker and got away, however, her wounds were too severe. He also said he does not believe Heike was sexually assaulted, but that remains under investigation.
Her injuries were consistent with a pocket knife Teasley was known to carry, police say.
ABC15 has confirmed with law enforcement sources that Heike was stabbed multiple times.
Surveillance video from cameras in the area captured several moments before and after the attack.
Police released a video showing a man running in the area and asked the public for help identifying him as a possible suspect. Officials confirmed that Teasley is the same man that was seen in the video.
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
After Teasley was located and taken into custody Thursday night, he told officials, “that’s me,” when he was shown a photograph of the suspect.
Police say Teasley knew Heike was attacked “but struggled to admit she was murdered” and “could not recall if he ever met (her) in person.”
“If I was going to do something like that, it wouldn’t be premeditated,” Teasley told investigators when asked if he planned to murder Heike, according to documents.
At this time, it is unknown if Teasley knew Heike or if it was a random attack.
Heike's family spoke at an emotional news conference on Wednesday, before Teasley was taken into custody, pleading for information leading to an arrest:
Teasley appeared in front of a judge around 8 a.m. Friday and a $1 million cash bond was set.
During his court hearing, an attorney said he was reportedly released from prison in November and has a criminal history including robbery, armed robbery, and disorderly conduct.
WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT ZION TEASLEY
Police documents say Teasley was a Marine. A statement from the U.S. Marine Corps clarifies that Teasley entered boot camp but did not complete training.
"Our records indicate that Zion W. Teasley entered recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Training Depot San Diego on March 25, 2019. He was separated June 17, 2019, prior to completing boot camp. Additional details are not releasable due to Privacy Act."
Teasley was also reportedly recently terminated from his employer for being “aggressive toward female employees” and was “suspected of stealing merchandise.”
VIDEO: Phoenix PD officials provide update on Friday, May 5:
On Friday, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego spoke at a news conference and said, "Lauren was doing something all of us enjoy, taking a hike in the beautiful Phoenix trails in springtime and her life was cut short by this inexplicable act of violence.”
Interim Phoenix Police Chief Michael Sullivan also spoke and said, “While we were able to apprehend the suspect please continue to keep the Heike family and all of Lauren's friends and family in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to grieve."
Phoenix Police Homicide Lieutenant James Hester who was a big part of the investigation said, “The killer responsible for Lauren’s death is in custody. Our community can breathe easier knowing that this suspect will not be able to harm anyone else, but that does little to ease the pain for Lauren's family. This is not a time for celebration."