A 25-year-old man has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the death of a 29-year-old woman found near Phoenix, Arizona.
Zion Teasley, who identifies as transgender, admitted during his plea deal that he stabbed Lauren Heike 15 times on a hiking trail. In police interviews, Teasley stated that Heike was “what I would want to look like.”
The victim’s body was discovered April 29 near her home after she failed to show up for work and went missing. Friends reported her disappearance.
Teasley was on probation at the time of the attack for a previous armed robbery conviction and other felonies, having served over a year in prison before release.
Investigations revealed Teasley’s DNA matched clothing found on one of Heike’s shoes. Surveillance footage showed him following Heike along the trail before both disappeared from view.
Teasley wrote in his diary about feeling depressed by seeing “beautiful” women because he was stuck being “a man.” He also told police that he had been fired from a job for aggression toward female coworkers and had stolen clothing matching what Heike wore.
In a statement released to the press, Lauren Heike’s family expressed relief over the plea deal. “We miss Lauren more than words can express,” they said. “She should be here, living the life she loved.” The family noted that the plea agreement ensures Teasley will never be released.
The case is scheduled for sentencing on December 4.
