A 19-year-old transgender student who was fatally stabbed near the University of Washington on Sunday night has been identified as Juniper Blessing.
Blessing was remembered by loved ones as “the most amazing human being we have ever known.”
Her family released a statement through the Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance on Thursday, 14 May, which was obtained by the Santa Fe New Mexican.
They described Blessing as “highly intelligent, extremely talented, and deeply sensitive to the needs of others,” adding that her death “not only devastates us but diminishes the world.”
Loved ones remember Juniper Blessing
Blessing was studying within the University of Washington’s Department of Atmospheric and Climate Science.
Friends and classmates have shared tributes online, remembering Blessing, who is reported by Seattle Gay News to have used she/they pronouns, as caring, thoughtful, and deeply loved.
One friend wrote that she “only wished the best for everyone in her life,” while a roommate described her as “so kind” and “down to Earth.”
Suspect arrested after multi-day search
Authorities say Blessing’s body was found shortly after 10pm on 10 May in a laundry room at Nordheim Court, a privately managed student housing complex affiliated with the university.
According to local reports, the King County Medical Examiner determined she had been stabbed more than 40 times, as reported by KIRO.
Court documents reviewed by KOMO News allege surveillance footage captured a man disconnecting the laundry room camera before the attack.
Seattle Police later released images of a suspect, leading to a multi-day manhunt.
On Wednesday night, 13 May, 31-year-old Christopher Michael Leahy turned himself in to police in Bellevue before being transferred to King County Jail.
On Thursday, 14 May, a judge found probable cause for first-degree murder with a deadly weapon. Leahy is currently being held on $10 million bail, as reported by KATV.
Community mourns devastating loss
As students and community members continue mourning Blessing’s death, local LGBTQ+ organisations have scheduled a private on-campus vigil in her memory.
Seattle Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck previously described the killing as “devastating and horrific” in an 11 May statement.
Rinck added that Seattle “must serve as a refuge for our trans neighbours who are fleeing regions trying to erase their existence.”
Blessing’s death has left her loved ones, classmates, and wider LGBTQ+ community grieving the loss of a young person remembered for her intelligence, kindness, sensitivity, and care for others.
