A 19-year-old University of Washington student was stabbed to death in an off-campus residential laundry room Sunday night.
SEATTLE — A 19-year-old University of Washington student was stabbed to death in an off-campus residential laundry room Sunday night, sparking grief across the campus. A few days later, a suspect surrendered to police.
Juniper Blessing, a transgender University of Washington student According to family members’ description Brilliant, gifted and compassionate, he was found stabbed more than 40 times. Christopher Leahy, 31, walked into a police station and turned himself in Wednesday night. He is currently being held on $10 million bail, and a judge has found probable cause of first-degree murder.
Prosecutors have until Monday to file formal charges.
Witnesses located a man matching Leahy’s description at the residence Sunday night. One of the residents told investigators he followed her into the same laundry room where Blessing was later found. Police released surveillance images before the suspect turned himself in. Detectives are still working to determine a motive.
More than a decade ago, Leahy gave interviews to the media on a variety of topics. At the time he claimed he was bullied at Seattle private school College Prep, saying: “I would be pushed against the wall. I would be punched. I would be pushed around.” The school denied the accusations and the case was settled in 2014.
In the days after the killings, mourners flocked to Washington University’s Red Square to leave messages and call for justice. Chalk art and transgender flags appeared in the square.
“I saw notes written in every language by people who knew her and people who didn’t know her,” said Elizabeth, a mourner at the memorial.
“This is really hard for me and I believe in the entire UW community, the UW trans and queer community,” said Mary, another mourner.
Others said the spontaneous commemorations provided some comfort amid grief.
“It’s amazing how people came together to do this,” said Sylvia, a University of Washington student.
“It does give me some hope, just the humanity shown by the people here,” Elizabeth said.
