On Thursday, police in Phoenix, Arizona announced that a man had been arrested in connection with the murder of Lauren Heike.
The 29-year-old was found on a hiking trail on Saturday, police said, with signs of “bodily trauma”.
– She was out one morning, doing what she usually does, said Lana Heike, Lauren’s mother, to a emotional press conference with Lauren’s friends and family this week.
LOVES EXERCISE: According to her mother, Lauren Heike loved to exercise and walked regularly in the area where she was killed. Photo: Phoenix Police
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She described a loving daughter, who ended all phone calls and text messages with, “I love you, mom.”
Popular hiking trail
The press conference, organized by the police, should have resulted in a flood of advice and statements of support.
I will never see the children again
“Phoenix Police have arrested a man in connection with the murder of 29-year-old Lauren Heike,” police announced on Twitter the day after the press conference.
Police say the man is identical to the person on a video recording, where he flees from where Lauren Heike was found killed.
The area is described as a desert area and Lauren followed a popular hiking trail where she often walked.
“Malicious Attack”
At the press conference, Police Inspector James Hester said she was attacked from behind and died of her injuries.
He said it was “a malicious attack”.
– I just hope they can find whoever did this, said a tearful father, Jeff Heike, during the police press conference.
Now his wish can be granted – if the arrested person is the right person.
“Hardcore coffee specialist. Unable to type with boxing gloves on. Devoted internetaholic.”
