A Phoenix girl was discovered lifeless alongside a mountaineering path — and police imagine foul play might have been concerned and have launched video of an individual of curiosity working close to the scene.
Police stated Lauren Heike, 29, was discovered on a sidewalk close to her house at 6500 East Libby Road about 10:30 a.m. Saturday, about 24 hours after she had been exterior.
Phoenix authorities initially obtained a name about an injured particular person, nevertheless it was confirmed to be the physique of Heike, who had suffered a “trauma”.
Phoenix Murder Lt. James Hester instructed reporters Wednesday that Hike had seemingly been attacked from behind due to his accidents, and that his physique was present in an space that was not readily seen from Hike’s path.
Hester believes that the alleged homicide was so grotesque, that the killer would seemingly have clung to anybody who got here throughout the mountaineering path, police launched video of a person close to the world the place the hike was discovered I went.
Hester stated, “The conduct was, for my part, so heinous that I feel the topic would exhibit traits of conduct that would seem misplaced.”
The brief surveillance video seems to be of a person between 5-foot, 8-inches and 6-feet tall, working on a path sporting darkish clothes and a backpack.
Police and Heike’s household are calling on anybody with any details about the dying or an individual of curiosity to contact regulation enforcement.
Heike’s mom Lana stated on Wednesday, “It is horrible. Regardless of how onerous it’s for us, we’re grateful as a result of we had such a lovely baby. We’re grateful as a result of he had such lovely buddies.”
Her father, Jeff, stated: “She was my little woman. I am actually going to overlook her. I do know someone is aware of one thing they usually may also help us.”
Heike’s good friend River Hubel instructed AZCentral that she spoke with him on Friday morning simply earlier than he went on a hike as a result of they’ve a ritual of calling one another daily to speak about what they’re grateful for.
“I requested what we have been all grateful for that day and she or he particularly simply stated she was so grateful to have the ability to get up on such a constructive day and have the ability to have espresso and go for a stroll,” Hubel stated, in tears. making an attempt to cease.
Police have additionally issued a warning warning residents to take security precautions when mountaineering or strolling and to keep away from doing so alone.