The 29-year-old Arizona beautician is found murdered on a hiking trail near where she lived

Police have released chilling video footage of a shadowy figure sprinting through the woods as the search continues for the person who killed a woman on a popular Phoenix hiking trail.

Lauren Heike, 29, was reported to be walking alone on the Reach 11 route, not far from her home, on Friday morning when she was attacked from behind by an unknown assailant between 10 and 11 a.m.

Her body was found the next day because Phoenix police said she was in an area not necessarily visible from the trail. Police added that Heike suffered “trauma to her body” from the “vicious” attack, but has not yet shared how she was killed, but called the killer’s behavior “horrific.”

In the short clip released by police on Tuesday, the figure running on the trail near where Heike’s body was found is said to be a person of interest who may have information about her murder.

The person of interest is described as a thin, dark-skinned man, 5’8″ to 6″ tall, wearing a gray or lighter colored shirt, dark trousers, a dark backpack and shoes, police said inside an update on Wednesday.

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On April 29, the Phoenix Police Department responded to what was described as a “desert area” near 6500 E. Libby Street after receiving a report of an injured person.

Phoenix Homicide Lt. James Hester said at a press conference on Wednesday that they 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 said.

Further details about the murder, including how Heike was killed and whether a weapon was used, have not been released, as police are concerned that information will 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.

At the press conference on Wednesday, Heike’s heartbroken family and friends gathered to beg the public for information that could bring police closer to finding the killer.

“We want someone to come forward and help us find this person,” Heike’s mother Lana said.

“Someone wearing a backpack or a hoodie or whatever video, it’s hard to tell on a sunny hot day, that person will stand out. If you’ve done something, you’re unusual,” Lana added.

“Please remember that if you had seen anything, were in that area, if you know someone who is strange or acting strange. Someone knows this person.’

Her parents tearfully said they just want justice for their daughter.

Lana added, “As difficult as this is for us, we are thankful to have had such a beautiful child. We will love her every minute we are on this earth.”

‘She was my little girl. I’m really going to miss her,” said her father, Jeff. “I know someone knows something and they can help us.”

Police have not said if this was a random attack or if it may have been someone Heike knew.

But the Arizona woman, who had moved from Washington, was loved and left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Her 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 was hard for all the staff.

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 at 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.”

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.

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 is being offered for any information related to the case.