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

Police said the woman was found in a 'desert area' near Mayo Boulevard and Scottsdale Road Saturday.

PHOENIX — Update: Police have arrested a suspect in connection to the death of Lauren Heike

The Phoenix Police Department has released the name of a woman who was found "fatally injured" this weekend in a desert area of north Phoenix.

Police said an arrest has not been made in the case, which is being investigated by homicide detectives.

According to police, the body of Lauren Heike, 29, was discovered in a "desert area" 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.

Details about what led up to this incident are still under investigation, according to police. 

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 police and be a good witness."

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

Silent Witness:

Arizona's Silent Witness program allows people to send in tips and share information about crimes happening within their local communities.

The program shares unsolved felony case information in multiple ways, including TV, radio and social media.

Anyone who has information on a crime or recognizes a suspect described by the program is asked to call 480-948-6377, go to the program's website online or download the Silent Witness app to provide a tip. The identity of anyone who submits a tip is kept anonymous.

Calls to Silent Witness are answered 24/7 by a live person and submitted tips are accepted at all times. Submitted tips are then sent to the detective(s) in charge of the specific case.

Individuals who submit tips that lead to an arrest or indictment in the case can get a reward of up to $1,000.

Have a tip? Submit it on the Silent Witness tip form here.

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