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Christopher Leahy Charged With First-Degree Murder in UW Student’s Stabbing

A judge set bail at $10 million in the case.

Undated photos of Juniper Blessing, who was fatally stabbed at an off-campus student housing building near the University of Washington on May 10, 2026.
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Overview

  • Christopher Leahy, 31, was charged with first-degree murder on Thursday, and a judge set bail at $10 million.
  • Leahy turned himself in to Bellevue police Wednesday night following Seattle police releasing clear surveillance photos earlier that day.
  • Police said tips generated by those images helped identify the suspect before he was booked into King County Jail.
  • The King County Medical Examiner identified the victim as Juniper Blessing, 19, a transgender University of Washington student, and reported more than 40 stab wounds.
  • Court records say Leahy followed residents at Nordheim Court, unplugged a laundry-room camera, and attacked in the off-campus complex, while investigators continue to probe motive as students hold memorials and push for stronger building security.