Who was Juniper Blessing? Tributes pour in for University of Washington student killed

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 housing complex has been identified.

Juniper Blessing, 19, was born in Princeton, New Jersey and later moved with their family to Santa Fe in 2018. Blessing graduated from the New Mexico School of the Arts in 2024 and began attending classes at the University of Washington in Seattle, studying Atmospheric Science while also pursuing minors in Music and Philosophy.

Juniper Blessing, 19, was identified as the University of Washington student who was killed in a stabbing on an off-campus apartment complex.  (Human Rights Alliance)

Blessing's family has since released a statement, issued by the Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance, in response to her killing:

"Our family has been shattered by the loss of our child, Juniper Blessing, to an act of unspeakable violence near the University of Washington campus in Seattle. Juniper was simply the most amazing human being we have ever known – highly intelligent, extremely talented, and deeply sensitive to the needs of others. Juniper’s loss not only devastates us but diminishes the world.

"Juniper was born Michael Carneiro da Cunha Blessing in Princeton, New Jersey where they attended Littlebrook School and Princeton Middle School until they moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2018. A gifted singer with a transcendent voice, Juniper was admitted to New Mexico School for the Arts, where they studied from 2020 until 2024.

"Weather was a love of Juniper’s since early childhood, and at the University of Washington they intended to study Atmospheric Science while continuing to study voice and pursuing minors in Music and Philosophy. They loved Seattle and Santa Fe, where they worked as an usher during summers at the Santa Fe Opera.

"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.

"In this time of loss, we ask that you respect us and Juniper’s memory by mourning with us but respecting our privacy."

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."

What's next:

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. His next court appearance is scheduled for Monday.

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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