Full Breakdown
University of Washington Student Fatally Stabbed at Nordheim Court Apartments; Police Seek Suspect
5/13/2026, 2:35:27 AM
Fatal Stabbing at Nordheim Court Apartments
On the night of May 10, 2026, University of Washington (UW) police and Seattle Police Department (SPD) responded to a report of a stabbing at the Nordheim Court Apartments, an off-campus housing complex at 5000 25th Avenue NE. Officers found a 19-year-old student, identified by police as a transgender woman, deceased in a laundry room of Building 7. Emergency responders attempted lifesaving treatment, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Background & Context
Nordheim Court is a privately managed complex operated by Greystar that provides 454 units for UW undergraduate and graduate students. Access to the building and its laundry facilities requires a Bluetooth key via a smartphone app. The complex has been described as a “secured facility,” though residents have reported malfunctioning locks on the laundry room door.
Timeline of Events
- 10:10 p.m. – SPD and UW police arrive at Nordheim Court and discover the victim.
- 10:40 p.m. – UW issues an emergency alert instructing residents to stay indoors, lock doors and windows.
- ~11:05 p.m. – Police release a suspect description (Black male, 25-30 years, 5´6´´-5´8´´, slim build, beard, black hair, wearing a dark-blue vest, button-up shirt, and blue jeans).
- 12:56 a.m. – UW lifts the shelter-in-place order; residents may exit the building.
- May 11 onward – Investigation continues; the King County Medical Examiner will release the victim’s identity after family notification.
Data & Statistics
- Victim: 19-year-old UW student, transgender woman (identity pending).
- Suspect: Black male, 5´6´´-5´8´´, 25-30 years old, slim build, beard, black hair; last seen in a dark-blue vest, button-up shirt, blue jeans.
- Housing complex: 8 buildings, 454 units, two laundry rooms (one in Building 7).
Official Statements & Responses
UW President Robert J. Jones expressed “deepest sympathies and condolences” and noted that violence against a trans person “can be especially worrying to our LGBTQIA+ community members.” SPD spokesperson Brian Pritchard confirmed the homicide is under active investigation and classified the suspect as “armed and dangerous.” The university’s Division of Student Life, SafeCampus, Husky Assist, and the Washington State Employee Assistance Program have been mobilized to provide counseling and safety resources.
Criticism & Opposition
Students have raised concerns about security protocols. Graduate student Joelle Dlugozima reported propping a chair against her door for extra safety, while senior Grace highlighted that “the lock to that laundry room actually doesn’t work.” A former resident, Debbie Delatorre, called for greater accountability from UW and Greystar in maintaining functional security measures.
On-the-Ground Reports
Resident Audrey, a freshman architecture major, described the incident as “heartbreaking” and noted the timing coincided with Mother’s Day. Another student, Ella, said the discovery of a transgender victim “made the situation scarier.” Several roommates reported a prior break-in attempt on April 25, describing a man matching the current suspect’s description attempting to enter through a kitchen window.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The victim’s name has not been released pending family notification.
- No motive has been established, and no suspect has been identified.
- Police have not confirmed whether the suspect knew the victim.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There are no words that can express the profound loss of a student.” — Robert J. Jones, UW President
- “This individual just committed a homicide; they should be considered armed and dangerous,” — Detective Eric Muñoz, Seattle Police Department
- “There is no room for this type of hate or violence in our city or in our world.” — Maritza Rivera, Seattle City Councilmember
- “The laundry room where the victim was stabbed- the lock to that laundry room actually doesn’t work,” — Grace, UW senior
- “We hardly got any sleep,” — Joelle Dlugozima, graduate student
What’s Next
SPD continues to seek information through the Violent Crimes Tip Line (206-233-5000). Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and investigating the April 25 break-in for possible links. UW will release the victim’s identity once the family is notified and will maintain counseling services for the campus community.
