# Trans Terror: Hiker's Killer Said Victim Was 'What I Would Want To Look Like'

> Hiker's killer admitted murdering trans woman Lauren Heike, claiming she was 'what I would want to look like'.
- Title: Trans Terror: Hiker's Killer Said Victim Was 'What I Would…
- Summary: Hiker's killer admitted murdering trans woman Lauren Heike, claiming she was 'what I would want to look like'. Zion Teasley pleaded guilty to murdering…
- Keywords: zion teasley, lauren heike, phoenix, maricopa county, gender identity, hiker murder, first degree murder, news, politics, Trans, Terror, Hiker's
- Source: Dallas Express — https://dallasexpress.com/crime/more-trans-terror-hikers-killer-said-victim-was-what-i-would-want-to-look-like
- Author: Dallas Express
- Published: 2026-10-06T18:50:56+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: zion teasley, lauren heike, phoenix, maricopa county, gender identity, hiker murder, first degree murder, news, politics
## Hiker's Killer Pleaded Guilty
Zion William Teasley, 25, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in Lauren Heike's death on October 2, 2026.

> Zion William Teasley, a biological male who admitted murdering Phoenix hiker Lauren Heike, told investigators he wanted to look like his victim and wrote about struggles with his "gender identity"
## Victim's Death Details
Lauren Heike died from 15 stab wounds on April 28, 2023, near 65th Street and East Libby Street in Phoenix.

> Heike suffered the fatal attack while hiking on April 28, 2023. Authorities found her body the following day near 65th Street and East Libby Street
## Killer's Gender Identity Struggles
Teasley described conflict between his Christian beliefs and gender identity, writing: 'I have been battling with my gender identity and sexuality. I am Christian, so this isn't allowed.'

> I have been battling with my gender identity and sexuality. I am Christian, so this isn't allowed
## Killer's Motive Revealed
Teasley told investigators he knew Heike from news coverage, claiming she was 'what I would want to look like' in his gender identity struggles.

> That's what I would want to look like
## DNA Evidence Confirmed
DNA on one of Heike's shoes matched Teasley, who was on probation after serving prison time for armed robbery and other felonies.

> DNA on one of Heike's shoes matched Teasley, who was on probation after serving prison time for armed robbery and other felonies
## Plea Agreement Details
Teasley's plea agreement calls for natural life in prison with sentencing scheduled for December 4, 2026, after prosecutors dropped the death penalty pursuit.

> His agreement calls for natural life in prison, with sentencing scheduled for December 4, KTAR reported, citing a Maricopa County Superior Court spokesperson
## Family's Reaction
Heike's family supported the plea deal to spare them a trial and another detailed recounting of her death, stating: 'While no sentence will ever bring Lauren back, we are relieved knowing that he will never be released.'

> While no sentence will ever bring Lauren back, we are relieved knowing that he will never be released
## Key takeaway

Zion Teasley pleaded guilty to murdering Phoenix hiker Lauren Heike, stating she was 'what I would want to look like' in his gender identity struggles.