A transgender-identifying man who brutally stabbed a 29-year-old Arizona woman 15 times after stalking her on a hiking trail told police that his victim was the type of woman he wanted to look like.
Zion Teasley, 25, pleaded guilty Friday to first-degree murder in the 2023 killing of Lauren Heike, avoiding the possibility of the death penalty in exchange for a sentence of life in prison.
Heike was hiking near her home in Phoenix when investigators say Teasley followed her along the trail. Surveillance footage showed a man walking behind Heike before both disappeared from view. The man was later seen sprinting away from the area and crossing a barbed-wire fence. Heike was found dead the following day. An autopsy determined she had suffered 15 stab wounds to her upper body, along with defensive wounds to her hands and forearms.
The killer, who was referred to by his attorney as “her,” expressed feelings of envy toward beautiful women in his diary, according to a police report obtained by ABC15. “I have been battling with my gender identity and sexuality,” Teasley wrote, adding that he felt depressed “when I see a beautiful woman and I’m a man.”
Additionally, during a police interview after his arrest, investigators showed Teasley a photograph of Heike. He responded, “That’s what I would want to look like.”
Instagram: lohighkey
In another journal entry, Teasley talked about his struggle with his gender. “I am Christian, so this isn’t allowed. I want to live a life of serving God, but how can I with these and other sins in the way. [I know] I am forgiven for my sins. But it’s still a lot of pressure and it’s hard to maintain a good Christian mindset 24/7.”
Teasley’s criminal history also included a 2021 conviction for armed robbery with a deadly weapon, robbery, and disorderly conduct. He was released on probation before Heike’s murder. His former employer told police he had been fired after allegedly behaving aggressively toward female employees and was suspected of stealing merchandise.
Heike’s shoe was found at the scene with DNA that matched Teasley, who had already served time behind bars, ABC15 reported. In addition to the DNA match, cellphone-location data, surveillance, clothing and headphone identification, and his own statements tied him to the murder.
Teasley’s guilty plea removes the possibility of a death penalty. Heike’s family said it supported the deal to avoid reliving the details of the killing at trial, saying they were relieved that Teasley “will never be released.”
.png)
.png)
