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'She was my little girl': Family of woman killed in north Phoenix desert ask public to help find suspect

Police said investigators were able to locate a short surveillance video clip of a suspect in the death of 29-year-old Lauren Heike.

PHOENIX — UPDATE: Police have taken a man into custody in connection to the death of 29-year-old Lauren Heike.

Phoenix police have released surveillance video of a suspect in the homicide of a 29-year-old woman found in a desert area in north Phoenix.

According to police, the body of Lauren Heike, 29, was discovered close to a neighborhood near Mayo Boulevard and Scottsdale Road on Saturday around 10:30 a.m.

"Heike was found to have trauma to her body," police said.  

The Phoenix Fire Department pronounced Heike dead on the scene.

Investigators said Heike went hiking Friday morning around 10 a.m. and was attacked from behind by the suspect.

Friend River Hubbel said he and another friend spoke with Lauren that morning before she went on her hike.

“She had like, specifically just said that she was so thankful to just wake up another day,” Hubbel said.

Lauren’s mom, Lana Heike what’s bringing comfort are memories of her daughter and knowing Lauren was happy that morning.

“She got up, talked to her friends. It was her day off, she got her coffee, and she went walking and she was happy, happy… that helps us a lot,” Lana Heike said.  "We need people's help to tell us what happened after that.”

Police said investigators were able to locate a short surveillance video clip of a man they’re now calling a suspect in the case. 

The suspect is described as having a dark complexion, dark-colored clothing and a backpack. Investigators described the man ranging in height between 5'8'' and 6'0''. 

“The behavior, in my opinion, was so heinous that I would imagine that the subject would be displaying behavior symptoms that just would look out of place,” Lt. James Hester, Phoenix Police Department’s homicide lieutenant, said.

Police are urging the community to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings.

"If a hike or walk is in your plans, do so with a partner," police said. "If you see something suspicious, call the police and be a good witness."

Heike's friends and family held a press conference Wednesday and described the deceased as a "beautiful" person inside and out who loved exercising and being outside.

"She was my little girl," Jeff Heike, Lauren’s father, said during the news conference. “I’m going to miss her terribly. I just hope they can find whoever did this to her.”

Silent Witness is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest in the case. 

Anyone with information about the case should contact the Phoenix Police Department or Silent Witness (480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish).

VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: 'Ella era mi pequeña niña': La familia de la mujer asesinada al norte de Phoenix pide al público que ayude a encontrar al sospechoso

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Police release name of woman found dead in 'desert area,' suspect remains at large

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