Man accused of murdering Lauren Heike faces new charges for previous assault

PHOENIX – The man accused of killing a woman on a north Phoenix hiking trail last year now faces new charges in connection with another attack.

According to newly obtained court documents, Zion Teasley has now been charged with aggravated assault and burglary in connection with an alleged attack in January 2020. According to the documents, the weapon used was a knife and the victim was another woman.

Teasley is said to have attacked a woman as she was taking out the trash and returning to her apartment. He is said to have forced his way into the woman's apartment and stabbed her several times. The victim was able to fight off Teasley, who eventually fled on foot.

Teasley has already been accused of murdering 29-year-old Lauren Heike in April 2023. Heike was on a popular running route when she was attacked.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in this case. Teasley has pleaded not guilty and his trial is currently scheduled for October 2025.

After Teasley was arrested for Heike's murder, police contacted the victim in the 2020 case and said they had additional information that could lead to the arrest of a suspect because Teasley matched the description of her alleged attacker. Police showed the victim a photo lineup and she positively identified Teasley as her alleged attacker.

On Wednesday, ABC15 asked Maricopa County District Attorney Rachel Mitchell why it took so long to charge Teasley with the 2020 attack.

“That would be a question for the police. What I can tell you is that we received the report after we received the report of murder and you know, the same lawyers are working on it and we can work with the police to bring the charges that you saw. If you saw that they are as serious as burglary.”

ABC15 has reached out to Phoenix police and is awaiting a response. Teasley is scheduled to appear in court again on August 30.

Stay with ABC15 as we work to find out more details on the new fees.