Lauren Heike death: Suspect arrested in murder of esthetician, 29, who was killed while hiking in Arizona
PHOENIX, ARIZONA: The police have arrested a suspect in connection with the brutal murder of a woman who was viciously attacked from behind while hiking in Arizona. Lauren Heike, 29, was an esthetician who had recently relocated to the Phoenix area from Washington. She was believed to be alone on the Reach 11 trail, which was in close proximity to her home when the assailant violently killed her.
Despite the fact that her body was found almost 24 hours after the incident, it was discovered in an area that was not readily visible from the trail. According to the police, Heike's body had severe trauma from the vicious attack. Although the authorities have not yet disclosed the method used by the perpetrator to commit the murder, they have described the killer's conduct as "heinous".
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'Phoenix police have taken a man into custody'
An update released by the Phoenix Police stated that a man has been apprehended in connection with Heike's murder. "Phoenix police have taken a man into custody in connection with the murder of 29-year-old Lauren Heike," they wrote in a tweet. However, the authorities have not yet revealed his identity.
Phoenix police have taken a man into custody in connection with the murder of 29-year-old Lauren Heike. pic.twitter.com/1j4Qq2b7nF
— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) May 5, 2023
Clip of the man being arrested
The exclusive footage of the suspect being nabbed was uploaded on Twitter.
#Exclusive moment when Phoenix Police take in custody the suspect connected to the homicide of Lauren Heike. @TelemundoAZ will have more info and images at 10PM. @agarcilazonews will be at a press conference PD will be providing later tonight. pic.twitter.com/vI6eUMhyV8
— Christian Villegas (@chrisvillegas29) May 5, 2023
Earlier this week, law enforcement officials identified the suspect and shared a disturbing video clip that shows an unidentified individual running on the trail where Heike's body was discovered. The suspect in Heike's murder was believed to be a thin man with a dark complexion, standing between 5′8″ to 6′ in height. He was reportedly dressed in a gray or lighter-colored shirt, dark pants, a dark backpack, and shoes. The suspect nabbed by the cops was wearing the same clothes.
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