Arizona man pleads not responsible to stabbing loss of life of 29-year-old Lauren Heike on climbing path


An Arizona man accused of fatally stabbing 29-year-old Lauren Heike on a desert climbing path in Phoenix final month has pleaded not responsible hours after being indicted.

Zion William Teasley, 22, entered the not responsible plea throughout an arraignment on Tuesday, FOX10 Phoenix reported. A day earlier, the Maricopa County Lawyer’s Workplace introduced {that a} county grand jury indicted Teasley on a single depend of first-degree homicide.

“My coronary heart goes out to the sufferer’s household and the ache they’re experiencing shedding their cherished one on this method,” mentioned County Lawyer Rachel Mitchell.  “Our workplace will work diligently to hunt justice for Lauren and her household.”

Heike was brutally attacked on April 28 whereas strolling on a path in northwest Phoenix close to 6500 East Libby Road, near the place she lived, with 15 stab wounds and accidents on her palms and forearms, police have mentioned. 

LAUREN HEIKE MURDER: ARIZONA MAN INDICTED FOR ALLEGEDLY STABBING 29-YEAR-OLD HIKER TO DEATH LAST MONTH

Lauren Heike

Heike’s mom and father remembered her as a good looking and candy particular person throughout a press convention earlier this month. (Phoenix Police Division)

Investigators declare Heike was chased over a barbed wire fence alongside the neighborhood path, primarily based on the situation of her garments. Her belongings have been additionally discovered scattered alongside the path.

Police launched a manhunt for an individual of curiosity seen on safety footage strolling on the identical path as Heike across the time of the alleged homicide. 

Mug shot of Teasley

Teasley is going through first-degree homicide cost following the loss of life of Lauren Heike on an Arizona climbing path. (Maricopa County Sheriffs Workplace)

On Could 4, investigators introduced Teasley was arrested in reference to Heike’s loss of life.

ARIZONA HIKER LAUREN HEIKE STABBED 15 TIMES, LIKELY WITH POCKETKNIFE: COURT DOCS

Police obtained cellphone knowledge that recorded Teasley’s location, which allegedly matched that of the surveillance video proof. Prosecutors additionally allege that DNA, video, and cellphone proof that was collected hyperlink Teasley to the crime.

Lauren Heike

Lauren Heike, 29, was discovered useless alongside a neighborhood climbing path in Phoenix on April 29. (Phoenix Police Division)

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Following Teasley’s arrest, a decide set the suspect’s bond at $1 million. 

FOX Information’ Greg Wehner contributed to this report.

Peter Johnson