Suspect arrested for murder of beautician Arizona, 29, found murdered on desert hiking trail
Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the murder of an Arizona woman who was ‘viciously’ attacked from behind while walking.
Lauren Heike, 29, an esthetician who had recently moved to the Phoenix area from Washington, was said to be alone on the Reach 11 trail, not far from her home, Friday morning when she was killed by the assailant between 10 and 11 a.m.
Her body was discovered nearly 24 hours after she was killed in an area not necessarily visible from the trail. Police added that Heike suffered “trauma to her body” from the attack. They have yet to share how she was killed, but called the killer’s behavior “horrific.”
The Phoenix Police Department released an update Thursday evening to say a man has been taken into custody in connection with her murder, but has not yet named.
Authorities identified the suspect and released a short but chilling clip earlier this week that shows a shadowy figure sprinting down the path in the area where Heike’s body was found.
Lauren Heike, 29, was hiking the Reach 11 trail, not far from her Phoenix home, on Friday when she was attacked and killed. Her body was found the next day
During the press conference on Wednesday, Heike’s heartbroken family and friends gathered to beg the public for information
The suspect was described as a thin, dark-skinned man, 5’8″ to 6″ tall, who wore a gray or lighter-colored shirt, dark pants, a dark backpack and shoes, police said in an update on Wednesday.
A man has now been arrested by officers in connection with the murder, and the Phoenix Police Department released an update around 7 p.m. Thursday.
Phoenix police have arrested a man in connection with the murder of 29-year-old Lauren Heike, police said.
It comes a day after Heike’s mother Laura Heike tearfully pleaded with the public on Wednesday, saying, “Someone knows this person.”
“Someone wearing a backpack or a hoodie or whatever video, it’s hard to say, on a sunny hot day that person will stand out.
“If you’ve done something, you’re unusual.”
Heike’s father Jeff Heike added, “She was my little girl. I’m really going to miss her.
“I know someone knows something and they can help us.”
Phoenix police responded to what was described as a “desert area” near 6500 East Libby Street on April 29 after receiving a report of an injured person.
The area isn’t far from Heike’s apartment, which Zillow says is in an upscale area of North Phoenix with homes on the market for up to $1.3 million.
Heike’s mother gave an insight into what her daughter’s last day was like.
“She got up, talked to her friends. It was her day off, she got her coffee, and she went for a walk and she was happy, happy… that helps us a lot,” Lana said.
“We need people’s help to tell us what happened next.”
Heike moved to Arizona from Washington, was loved and left a lasting impression
On April 29, Phoenix police responded to a “desert area” near 6500 East Libby Street to find Heike’s body. It is believed that Heike was murdered a day earlier, on Friday morning
Heike’s parents Lana and Jeff tearfully said they just want justice for their daughter
At a press conference on Wednesday, Phoenix Homicide Lieutenant James Hester said investigators believe someone may have seen the suspect before or after the attack and have asked the community to come together to help find him.
“We think someone would have noticed this person before the attack or after he fled,” Lieutenant Hester added.
Further details about the murder, including how Heike was killed or whether a weapon was used, have not been released because the police do not want to harm the investigation.
“The behavior, in my opinion, was so appalling that I can imagine the subject exhibiting symptoms that seem out of place,” Lt. Hester added.
Loved ones said on Wednesday they just want justice for Heike, whom they describe as a “beautiful” person inside and out who loved to exercise and be outdoors.
Her mother described her daughter as a beautiful, kind-hearted woman who was sweet to everyone she met.
“As difficult as this is for us, we are thankful to have had such a beautiful child,” she said. “We will love her every minute we are on this earth.”
Police have not said if this was a random attack or if it may have been someone Heike knew
Police have not revealed if this was a random attack or if it may have been someone Heike knew.
But the Arizona woman, who moved from Washington, was described as a kind-hearted person who left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Heike’s good friend River Hubbell told AZCentral that he spoke to her on Friday morning before her walk and they asked each other what they were thankful for – something he said they did every morning.
“I had asked what we were all thankful for that day and she had specifically said that she was so thankful that she woke up another day so positive and that she could go get coffee and go for a walk,” Hubbell said, as he held back his tears.
Her boss, Brian Thorne Troon North Golf Club, where she worked as a server, said they are all saddened by Heike’s death and described her as a nice person.
Heike’s mother said in tears: ‘As difficult as this is for us, we are grateful that we have had such a beautiful child. We will love her every minute we are on this earth”
Heike’s boss, Brian Thorne of Troon North Golf Club, where she worked as a server, told local news outlets that their staff are shocked and saddened by her death. He described Heike as a nice person and said that this tragedy has been hard for everyone.
Heike previously worked as an esthetician for Admire Medical Aesthetics in Washington. The company posted a heartfelt tribute on their Facebook page.
‘It is with a heavy heart that we have learned of the passing of Lauren Heike, former beautician of Admire Medical Aesthetics. Lauren touched the hearts of many with her kind and sweet nature, and her beloved clients always looked forward to seeing her.
“We will always remember the laughter and smile Lauren brought to all of us. Her warmth and compassion made her not only a great esthetician, but also a great human being. It’s a real loss for everyone she touched.’
Our condolences go out to Lauren’s family at this difficult time. We hope they find some comfort in knowing that Lauren’s memory will always be cherished by those whose lives she touched.”
Heike’s good friend River Hubbell said he talked to her Friday morning before her walk and they asked each other what they were thankful for — something they said every morning, he said.
Hubbell joined Heike’s family and friends in pleading with the public to help find her killer
Neighbors in the area and hikers visiting the trail say they are now looking over their shoulders.
“I just woke up from all the cops coming in, and they could really see all the vehicles moving around in the back, all the cops. I would say the neighborhood is a bit bleak right now. They’re probably sketched out a bit, looking over their shoulder. Definitely not something they saw coming,” said a neighbor.
“It’s heartbreaking,” hiker Tom Chamberlain told Fox13 Seattle.
“I wouldn’t be comfortable with her walking this path alone right now. I used to think it was North Scottsdale. It’s all right.’
Some have suggested posting warning signs all over the community.
‘It would be nice. I’m lucky we’re in this together. If I came running here in the morning, it would completely change my mind about doing this,” said Naomi Kight.
A reward of up to $2,000 was offered for any information related to the case
Police have issued advice to walkers, saying community safety is their top priority.
“The safety of our community is our top priority. We want to remind everyone to be aware of your surroundings. If a walk or hike is in your plans, do it with a partner. If you see anything suspicious, call the police and be a good witness,” the police warned.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Phoenix Police Department. To remain anonymous, call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (480-948-6377) or 480-TESTIGO (480-837-8446). You can also leave a tip at silentwitness.org.
A reward of up to $2,000 was offered for any information related to the case.