Juniper Blessing was killed Sunday in an off-campus student apartment. The University of Washington student’s family said the loss “not only devastates us, but darkens the world.”
SEATTLE — The family of a 19-year-old University of Washington student who was stabbed to death on May 10 said they are “heartbroken” by the violence.
Juniper C. Blessing, identified by officials as a transgender woman, was killed in the laundry room of an off-campus residence hall just after 10 p.m. Sunday night.
“Our family is heartbroken after the death of our child, Juniper Blessing, in an unspeakable act of violence near the campus of the University of Washington in Seattle,” the family wrote in a statement. “Juniper was the most amazing person we have ever known—incredibly smart, talented, and deeply sensitive to the needs of others. Juniper’s death not only devastates us, but leaves the world a smaller place.”
The family called Blessing a “gifted singer with an extraordinary voice” and said Blessing studied at the New Mexico School of the Arts from 2020 to 2024.
A love of weather and meteorology led Blessing to Seattle to study atmospheric science and minor in music and philosophy at the University of Washington, according to family members.
“Perhaps most importantly, Juniper lived his life courageously until his life was tragically cut short. Juniper had many loving friends, family and mentors, and Juniper will be deeply missed,” the family said in a statement.
The Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance also asked that the family’s privacy be respected. “They are in a state of extreme shock and heartbreak and are dealing with an unimaginable loss. This loss has not only devastated those closest to the child, but also many others in the Seattle, Santa Fe, and LGBTQIA2S communities who are also mourning.”
On the night of the incident, the suspect fled the scene at Nordheim Court Apartments and continued to be on the run for several days. Police released clear image of suspect during search, leading to 31-year-old suspect surrenders Wednesday night to Bellevue police.
He appeared in court on Thursday and prosecutors have until Monday, May 18 to file formal charges. KING 5 typically does not release the names of suspects until they are charged.
The suspect remains in jail on $10 million bail.
