Phoenix police have identified the man they arrested Thursday in connection with the death of 29-year-old Lauren Heike, who was found in a desert area in the northeastern part of the city.

Zion William Teasley, 22, was charged on suspicion of first-degree murder in the death of Hieke, according to Phoenix police.

Heike was hiking April 28 on a desert trail near East Libby Street and North 65th Place before being killed, Phoenix police have said.

Teasley was linked to Heike’s death by DNA, cell phone evidence and witnesses identified him as a suspect through photos, Maricopa County prosecutor Ryan Green said during Teasley's initial court appearance.

Related: Lauren Heike, 29, was killed in north Phoenix. Here's what we know about the murder investigation

Lauren Heike was found by police just before 11 a.m. April 29 in a desert area near a neighborhood in the area of 64th Street and Mayo Boulevard after a resident reported seeing an injured person.

Police on May 1 identified Heike.

On Wednesday, police released camera footage of a man thought to be a murder suspect in Heike's death. The man is seen in the video sprinting in what appears to be a desert area. Police have said they think Heike was attacked from behind while hiking on the trail about 10 a.m. Heike was in a location that would not have been easily viewable by others on the trail, police said.

During his court appearance, prosecutors confirmed Teasley lived near the area where Heike was found.

Lana Heike, Lauren's mother, described her daughter as a beautiful, kindhearted woman who was sweet to everyone she met.

River Hubbel, a close friend of Heike's, said he spoke to her on Friday morning before her hike. The pair had a ritual with another friend where they would ask one another what they were grateful for each morning.

"I had asked what we were all thankful for that day and she had specifically just said that she was so thankful to just wake up another day so positive and to be able to go get a coffee and go on a walk," Hubbel said, holding back tears.

No suspected motive has been divulged by police. The way by which Heike was killed has not yet been revealed by police.

During Teasley's court appearance, the judge said it is possible the murder may have been premeditated. Green added Teasley was in possession of a plane ticket to Detroit.

Teasley was released from prison in November 2022 and was on probation at the time of Heike's death, according to court records. He was convicted in 2021 of armed robbery with a deadly weapon, robbery and disorderly conduct, court records show.

He is being held on a $1 million bond, according to records, and will be assigned an attorney. His next court date is May 15.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Zion William Teasley ID'd as suspect in hiker Lauren Heike killing