Lauren Heike; Zion William Teasley.Photo: Lauren Heike Instagram; Phoenix Police Department
On Thursday evening, the Phoenix Police Department announced a man was taken into custody in connection with the death of Lauren Heike.
Police identified the suspect as Zion William Teasley.
Teasley’s attorney information was not immediately available and it’s unclear if he entered a plea to the charge.
Citing prosecutors, KNXV reports DNA and cell phone evidence allegedly linked Teasley to 29-year-old Heike’s killing. Prosecutors said the deadly attack may also have been premeditated.
According to prosecutors, Teasley had purchased a plane ticket and allegedly planned to flee to Detroit on Thursday, six days after the killing. He was taken into custody at his home, per the outlet.
Zion William Teasley.Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office
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An exact cause of death has not been made public and it was unclear if the suspect and victim knew each other prior to the attack.
“She was beautiful inside and out,” Heike’s mom, Lana Heike, told reporters a day before her daughter’s alleged killer was captured. “She had such a kind heart. Everybody who met her, loved her. She was super funny. She was just a sweet child – just everything to us.”
Teasley is due back in court May 11.
source: people.com
