PHOENIX — Two weeks after the arrest of the man accused of murdering Lauren Heike in North Phoenix, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced it was reviewing the suspect’s previous plea bargain.

Zion Teasley, 22, was on probation for murder charges stemming from a string of armed robberies he committed in 2020.

He got a plea bargain.

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said, “I’m investigating it myself, and I’m reviewing the case.”

In 2020, according to police records, Teasley robbed a Circle K store seven times, and in some cases had a gun. He was charged with 13 counts, including kidnapping, robbery, armed robbery and aggravated assault with a dead weapon.

All but three were fired as part of a plea bargain.

“I’m not going to hold prosecutors accountable for everything that can happen after they handle the case,” Mitchell said. “It’s unfair.”

Teasley’s contract was for three years in prison for disorderly conduct, followed by probation.

He was released in November 2022.

“He got three years in prison. It was shortened because he had time units, which he is obliged to get, but I am looking into it. ‘, said Mitchell.

The deal is in question given the current charges against Teasley.

Phoenix police said Teesley killed Lauren Heike in broad daylight while she was strolling near the Mayo Clinic in North Phoenix. Investigators say so far: The attack seems to have been random.

Teesley is currently in MCSO custody, being charged with first-degree murder.

“I’m going to be very careful and make sure things are handled properly,” Mitchell said. But if not, I, now the county attorney, need to make a change. “

Ras Richelsoff said he believed Mitchell was doing the right thing. He is an attorney at Davis Miles Law Office.

“There are not enough prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges to bring to justice everyone accused of criminal offenses,” Richelsov explained.

Richelsov said the system hopes to reward those willing to plead guilty.

“It is very difficult to predict who will succeed and who will fail when released from prison,” Richelsov said.

As for Mitchell’s reconsideration, he said he would look at Teasley’s past police reports and possibly photos and videos to answer why he was approached for a plea bargain.

“I’m going to review the whole case before I put my final thoughts together,” Mitchell said.

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