Juniper Blessing Update: Suspect Christopher Leahy Arrested in University of Washington Tragedy
Seattle police say they have arrested a suspect in the murder of Juniper Blessing, a 19-year-old student found stabbed to death in a laundry room in University of Washington campus housing. According to KOMO News, court document give the suspect's name as Christopher Leahy.
On May 13, Seattle police detectives "arrested a 31-year-old man in connection to a homicide that occurred May 10 in a University of Washington campus housing building. Officers found the 19-year-old victim deceased with stab wounds," a press release from Seattle police says.
According to King 5,the victim, Blessing, was "identified by officials as a transgender woman." Senior Deputy Prosecutor Don Raz said in court that Blessing "was stabbed 40 times," according to The Seattle Times.
Juniper Blessing's Family Described Blessing as Simply 'the Most Amazing Human Being'
Juniper Blessing, 19, has been identified as the Trans teenager who was murdered in Seattle, WA on May 10, 2026. RIP Juniper, I am so very sorry this happened to you.#TransLivesMatter#WontBeErasedpic.twitter.com/YBVh2CKNYj
— Kaylara's All Gas, No Breaks! (@Kaylara0wl) May 15, 2026
Blessing's family released a statement.
"Our family has been shattered by the loss of our child, Juniper Blessing, to an act of unspeakable violence near the University of Washington campus in Seattle," the family's statement to King 5 read. "Juniper was simply the most amazing human being we have ever known – highly intelligent, extremely talented, and deeply sensitive to the needs of others. Juniper's loss not only devastates us but diminishes the world."
Family members referred to Blessing in the statement given to King 5 as a "gifted singer with a transcendent voice." Blessing previously studied at the New Mexico School for the Arts from 2020 to 2024, according to the television station.
Seattle Police Say Christopher Leahy 'Surrendered Himself' & Was Booked 'for Investigation of Murder'
"The man surrendered himself to Bellevue Police Department and custody was transferred to Seattle Police Department Homicide detectives," police added. "Police booked the suspect into King County Jail for investigation of Murder." However, authorities did not release the suspect's name.
"Anyone with additional information is asked to call the violent crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000. Anonymous tips are accepted," police wrote.
Although police have not publicly released the suspect's name, they did release two photos of him, writing, "Detectives have identified a suspect in the May 10th murder of a University of Washington student. Please take a close look at the photos below and see if you can help us capture this person."
In their original news release, police said Seattle police detectives "are investigating the homicide of a student Sunday night at a University of Washington (UW) campus housing building."
Juniper Blessing Was Discovered in the Laundry Room
At about 10:10 p.m., UW police officers "responded to a stabbing at Nordheim Court, 5000 25th Avenue Northeast. There, they found a deceased victim in a laundry room," the release says. "Police and the Seattle Fire Department attempted lifesaving treatment. Despite all efforts, SFD pronounced the victim deceased at the scene."
According to KOMO News, "Investigators said surveillance footage showed Blessing arriving at the laundry room carrying bags over her shoulders and a jug of laundry detergent."
Campus police "cordoned off the area and Seattle police assumed investigative authority. Detectives with the Homicide and Crime Scene Investigation Units arrived to process the scene," the original news release says. "The King County Medical Examiner will take custody of the body. Their office will identify the victim in the coming days."
Added Seattle police: "The circumstances leading up to the murder are under investigation."
According to The Times, Blessing "was majoring in atmospheric science and continuing to study music and philosophy at UW."
The newspaper reported that the suspect's family sued University Prep when he was a teen, "alleging the school failed to protect him from harassment and bullying by other students, including being called racist and anti-gay slurs. He is identified as disabled and biracial in the complaint."
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This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 15, 2026 at 12:27 AM.