The family of a woman murdered in a Phoenix desert last weekend are pleading for the public’s help in finding the suspect.

On Saturday around 10:45 a.m., Lauren Heike, 29, was with signs of trauma near Scottsdale Road and Mayo Boulevard.  The Phoenix Fire Department pronounced Heike dead on the scene.

The Phoenix Police Department suspect Heike was killed Friday while out on a hike, but her body was not found until the following day because the area is not heavily traveled and not very visible.

Police were able to pull a brief surveillance video that shows a person running from the area. This is the only lead the police have at the moment and consider this person to be the suspect.

The suspect is described as having a dark complexion, dark-colored clothing, and a backpack. Investigators described the man ranging in height between 5’8” and 6’0”.

“Please think if you had seen something, were in that area, if you know of somebody strange or acting weird,” Lana Heike, Lauren’s mother, said in a press conference. “Somebody knows this person.”

Police are urging the community to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings. And are suggesting if you hike or walk, do so with a partner. If you see something suspicious, call the police.

“I know someone knows something and they can help us,” Jeff Heike, Lauren’s father, said.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Phoenix police at 602-262-6151 or Silent Witness at 480-948-6377 or 480-837-8446 for Spanish.