Family mourns transgender student stabbed to death in laundry room: ‘The most amazing human being’

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SEATTLE (KOMO) - Family members and the University of Washington community are mourning the loss of a 19-year-old transgender student as investigators search for answers in the case.

Growing memorials on the University of Washington’s campus honor 19-year-old Juniper Blessing, who was found dead last Sunday in the laundry room at the Nordheim Court apartments. Seattle Police say the victim, who was transgender, was stabbed more than 40 times.

Transgender rights groups held a community healing event Saturday afternoon on the university’s campus as the impact of Blessing’s loss ripples through fellow students.

Juniper Blessing, a 19-year-old student at the University of Washington, is being remembered... — Juniper Blessing, a 19-year-old student at the University of Washington, is being remembered after they were found stabbed to death in their apartment complex's laundry room.(Source: Santa Fe Pride and Human Rights Alliance, KOMO via CNN)

“Just the fact of where do we go from here? What do we do?” said Logan Tsui, who also lives at the Nordheim Court apartments. “Especially for queer folks, like us, like Juniper, you’re not alone in this, and every single one of us, we’re there behind you. We’re there for you.”

Blessing had recently moved from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to attend the University of Washington, where they planned to study atmospheric science with minors in philosophy and music.

Authorities say a suspect in the case, 31-year-old Christopher Leahy, was arrested Wednesday night. But police have not yet announced a motive in the killing or whether the attack was targeted.

As loved ones continue to wait for answers, Blessing’s family released a statement remembering the impact they had on others:

“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.”

The family also shared Blessing was a gifted singer who spent summers working at the Santa Fe Opera. The organization shared a statement honoring the 19-year-old’s life and artistry:

“At a moment when conversations around identity, dignity and humanity are so present in our communities and broader culture, the loss of a young life filled with promise and artistry is felt especially deeply. Sing free, Juniper. You will not be forgotten.”

During Leahy’s first court appearance on Thursday, a judge found probable cause for first-degree murder with a deadly weapon and set his bail at $10 million.