Story perspectives

19-Year-Old Trans Student Murdered; Suspect Arrested, Campus Reviews Safety

5/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Juniper Blessing, a 19-year-old transgender student, was found with over 40 stab wounds in a University of Washington laundry room.
Christopher Leahy, 31, surrendered in Bellevue on Wednesday and is held in King County Jail on murder charges.
Campus police responded at 10:10 p.m. Sunday after a resident reported a suspect near the laundry room.
University President Robert Jones said the school will review safety procedures and provide LGBTQIA+ support resources.

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Story summary

Juniper Blessing, a 19-year-old transgender student, was found with over 40 stab wounds in a University of Washington laundry room.
Christopher Leahy, 31, surrendered in Bellevue on Wednesday and is held in King County Jail on murder charges.
Campus police responded at 10:10 p.m. Sunday after a resident reported a suspect near the laundry room.
University President Robert Jones said the school will review safety procedures and provide LGBTQIA+ support resources.