Bremerton woman found dead in desert area of Phoenix; suspect arreseted
Suspect arrested in murder of Washington woman in Arizona
A Bremerton woman was found dead in a "desert area" of Phoenix Saturday morning, the police department said. Days later, a suspect was arrested.
PHOENIX - A Bremerton woman was found dead in a "desert area" of Phoenix Saturday morning, the police department said. Days later, a suspect was arrested.
FOX 10 Phoenix reports that around 10:50 a.m. on April 29, Phoenix Police officers got a call about an injured person near the Mayo Clinic hospital.
Once they got there, officers and firefighters found an "adult female victim in a desert area outside of the nearby neighborhood."
The victim is identified as 29-year-old Lauren Heike, of Bremerton.
"Heike was found to have trauma to her body," police said.
According to a person living in the area, it was his wife who discovered Heike's body while she was walking her dog. They were familiar with Heike because she hiked the trail often, and lived in an apartment complex nearby.
Brian Thorne, General Manager of Troon North Golf Club, released a statement as Heike was an employee there.
"Lauren was a wonderful person and a valued associate. We are shocked and saddened to hear of her passing. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends."
According to public records, Heike moved to Arizona from Washington.
Family visits Phoenix, sending a plea for help
On May 3, the Heike family held a press conference with the Phoenix Police Department in an effort to get more eyes on the young woman's case.
"It's horrific. As hard as this is for us, we’re grateful we had such a beautiful child," Lana Heike said, Lauren's mother.
"She was my little girl, and I'm going to miss her terribly. I just hope they can find who ever did this to her," Lauren's father, Jeff Heike said.
Watch the full news conference here:
Lauren Heike: Family of woman found dead on Phoenix hiking trail speak at news conference
The family of Lauren Heike is seeking justice after the 29-year-old was found murdered on a Phoenix hiking trail just minutes away from Mayo Clinic.
Neighborhood rocked by Heike's death
As the investigation into Heike's death continues, people in the area are on edge.
"It's heartbreaking," said hiker Tom Chamberlain.
In the aftermath of Heike's death, residents and hikers that frequent a trail in the area are looking over their shoulders.
Some even say warning signs should be posted around the community.
"It would be nice. I'm lucky we do this together. If I were to come out here in the morning for a run, it would change my opinion completely about doing this," said Naomi Kight.
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"I would not be comfortable if she were hiking alone on this trail now," said Chamberlain. "Before, I thought it was North Scottsdale. It's totally fine."