The police in Phoenix have identified the man they arrested on Thursday in connection with the death of 29-year-old Heike Lauren, who was found in a desert area in the northeastern part of the city.
According to the Phoenix police, Zion William Teasley, aged 22, was apprehended for allegedly perpetrating first-degree homicide in the lethal knifing of Heike.
She said that she had not come into work, which was unusual according to the court documents. She said she had called the police and made a welfare check to Heike’s after a friend said that she had not come into work.
Heike, a person who was injured and reported seeing a resident, was found by police in a desert area near the neighborhood of Boulevard Mayo and Street 64th on April 29, before 11 a.M.
Law enforcement tracked the evidence back to the individual under suspicion
The court records reveal that Heike’s corpse was found at the location where a pathway intersected with a barbed wire enclosure, accompanied by evidence and Heike’s personal possessions. It is probable that her traversal of the barbed wire fence resulted in minor scratches and defensive injuries. A post-mortem examination indicated that Heike sustained 15 puncture wounds to her upper torso, with the most severe gash measuring 3 inches in depth.
According to court records, plants blocked the camera’s line of sight to him prior to observing the same individual running moments later. The documents indicate that she was subsequently discovered in the vicinity of where Heike disappears from the camera’s perspective approximately 22 seconds later, as shown in surveillance footage at around 10:52 a.M. On April 28. A man can be seen walking 36 seconds behind her on the path in the video.
As per the court records, the perpetrator is observed once more as he sprints in the contrary direction before attempting to traverse the razor-wire enclosure and ultimately exiting the camera’s field of vision, approximately one minute later.
The police discovered that Heike had been killed in the area where the cellphone belonging to Teasley pinged. It was found that the directions on the documents matched the movements captured by the camera on Teasley’s person. Additionally, a discarded shoe near Heike was found to match Teasley’s DNA, and a barbed wire fence was also located in close proximity.
Teasley said that he knew others who also carried a pocket knife of the same size as the one mentioned in the documents charging Heike’s wounds.
The police officer informed Teasley during his probation meeting that there was a scheduled meeting with his probation officer on the morning of May 3rd. In the photographs presented as evidence, Teasley appeared suspicious and was seen wearing headphones. The officer also mentioned that the man in the video footage resembled Teasley in terms of his profile and physique. However, the probation officer could not verify the authenticity of the video footage.
Lt. James Hester from Phoenix police’s homicide division stated during a press conference on Friday afternoon that Teasley did not provide a reason. He further mentioned that Heike’s injuries were too extensive to recuperate from, but investigators are of the opinion that Heike managed to defend herself against Teasley and ultimately escape.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego commended the police for their efforts in identifying Teasley and taking him into custody. She also offered her condolences to Heike’s family, who were in attendance at the press conference.
Gallego expressed, “She was tragically taken from us prematurely. May her remembrance bring you solace. Your daughter seems like an exceptional individual, and we are immensely grateful that she was a member of our community.”
Michael Sullivan, the Chief of Police in Phoenix, also commended staff across several departments for their numerous tips that led to the arrest of Teasley and the forward progress with Heike’s family.
“This was truly a collaborative effort,” Sullivan mentioned.
Investigators interviewed Teasley’s mother, who chose not to provide a statement, as stated by Hester. Hester additionally mentioned that the authorities were still examining various facets related to Heike’s demise, such as exploring the possibility of Teasley’s mother, who is employed as a surveillance officer at the Maricopa County adult probation department, being implicated in the murder.
The suspect confessed to being caught on surveillance footage, according to reports.
Teasley was apprehended around 6:30 p.M. Thursday at the Scottsdale apartments where he lives, according to the authorities.
During the police interrogation, Teasley confirmed the man in the video surveillance, which contradicted his initial statement. He recanted his unsure claim that the documents charging him included photographs.
Heike recognized Teasley from media reports, and he stated that he wanted to look like her. He expressed concerns about his salvation and revealed that he was struggling with his sexuality. Teasley also mentioned that he grew up as a Christian, which investigators were informed about.
Teasley informed investigators that he could not remember whether he had ever encountered Heike in person, as stated in court records.
Prosecutors confirmed in court that Heike’s remains were found near the area where he lived. Teasley’s appearance in court confirmed that he was in possession of a plane ticket to Detroit, and Green added that it is possible the murder may have been premeditated. The judge said that if I were going to do something like that, it wouldn’t be premeditated, and Teasley said, “I am definitely not the person who planned to kill another person. When asked about Heike’s murder, Teasley told investigators in court documents.”
As per the court documents, Teasley was found guilty in 2021 of committing armed robbery using a dangerous weapon, robbery, and engaging in disorderly behavior. He was under probation when Heike passed away and was set free from jail in November 2022.
According to court documents, Teasley was discovered by investigators after being terminated from his position due to his aggressive behavior towards female colleagues and alleged involvement in theft.
His next court appearance is scheduled for May 15. Legal counsel will be appointed to represent him. As per official documents, he is currently detained with a bond set at $1 million.