UW Seattle fatal stabbing victim identified

UW stabbing suspect makes first appearance in court

The man suspected of stabbing a transgender University of Washington student to death in the laundry room of an off-campus apartment complex made his first appearance in court after turning himself in.

SEATTLE - The transgender University of Washington student that was stabbed to death in the laundry room of an off-campus apartment complex has been identified.

Juniper Blessing, 19, a Santa Fe native, was a graduate of the New Mexico School of the Arts.

A memorial outside the Nordheim Apartments by the University of Washington, where Juniper Blessing was killed.

Blessing's family has since released a statement in response to her killing:

"Juniper's loss not only devastates us but diminishes the world.

"Juniper was simply the most amazing human being we have ever known — highly intelligent, extremely talented, and deeply sensitive to the needs of others.

"Perhaps most importantly, Juniper was courageously living their life as who they were until it was cut tragically short. Blessed with many loving friends, family members and mentors, Juniper will be deeply missed."

The Santa Fe New Mexican posted the statement, issued by the Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham also issued the following statement regarding Juniper's fatal stabbing:

"Tonight, New Mexico grieves the loss of Juniper Blessing, a 19-year-old artist and New Mexico School of the Arts graduate who had a full, brilliant life ahead.

"Juniper’s life was taken in the most senseless and violent of circumstances. My heart goes out to her family, friends, and the entire NMSA community. I refuse to accept a world where our young people are taken in this way. New Mexico stands with Juniper’s family and community.

"We will stand with them until justice is served."

The suspect in the fatal stabbing, 31-year-old Christopher Leahy, made his first court appearance on Thursday. He is being held on $10 million bail.

Arrest brings relief to UW community

Following the arrest of a 31-year-old suspect in the deadly stabbing of a transgender University of Washington student, neighbors and students in the U. District are demanding increased security measures at off-campus apartments.

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