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UW Stabbing Suspect Surrenders as Victim Is Identified as Juniper Blessing

Detectives now focus on motive and campus safety as a judge holds the suspect on $10 million bail.

Overview

  • Following Wednesday's release of surveillance photos, Christopher Leahy, 31, surrendered to Bellevue police that night and was booked into King County Jail for investigation of first-degree murder.
  • The King County Medical Examiner on Thursday identified the 19-year-old University of Washington student as Juniper Blessing, a transgender woman.
  • Court documents and recovered video indicate Leahy stalked residents at Nordheim Court, unplugged a laundry-room camera, and that Blessing suffered more than 40 stab wounds.
  • A judge set Leahy’s bail at $10 million after a probable-cause hearing, and investigators said they have not established a motive.
  • Students and neighbors are pressing for better security at the off-campus complex, citing a faulty laundry-room lock and prior break-in concerns as memorials for Blessing continue to grow.