Man accused of murdering Lauren Heike facing new charges in previous assault

The man accused of killing a woman on a north Phoenix hiking trail last year is now facing new charges tied to another assault.

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

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

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

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in that case. Teasley pleaded not guilty and his trial is currently set 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 may lead to a suspect arrest 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 Attorney, Rachel Mitchell, why it took so long to charge Teasley with the 2020 attack.

"That would be a question for the police department. What I can tell you is that we received the submittal after we received the submittal on the homicide, and you know, the same attorneys are working on that and we're able to work with the police to bring this to the charges that you've seen. If you have seen them as aggravated as burglary."

ABC15 reached out to Phoenix police, we are awaiting a response. Teasley will return to court on August 30.

Stay with ABC15 as we work in learning more details about the new charges.