A tragic incident near the University of Washington has left students and the local community in shock after a 19-year-old student was found fatally stabbed inside an off-campus housing complex.
Police say the suspect remains on the run as investigators continue searching for answers in an active homicide case. The killing has also raised concerns across the university’s LGBTQIA+ community due to reports that the victim was a transgender woman.
University of Washington Student Found Dead
According to investigators, the victim was discovered around 10:10 p.m. on May 10 inside a laundry room at Nordheim Court, an off-campus student housing complex connected to the university.
Officers from the Seattle Police Department and emergency responders arrived quickly and attempted lifesaving measures, but the student was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police believe the victim was a 19-year-old transgender woman. Her identity has not yet been publicly released while authorities notify family members.
Suspect Still at Large
Investigators say they are actively searching for a male suspect believed to have fled immediately after the stabbing.
Police described the suspect as:
- Black male
- Beard
- Approximately 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall
- Wearing a vest, button-up shirt, and blue jeans
Authorities have warned the public that the suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.
Police Continue Active Investigation
Eric Muñoz from the Seattle Police Department said investigators are working urgently to identify and locate the suspect.
Police say they do not currently believe there is an ongoing threat to other students, but officers continue treating the case as an active homicide investigation.
Homicide detectives and forensic investigators spent hours processing the scene and collecting evidence.
University Issues Safety Alerts
Following the stabbing, university officials sent emergency alerts to students living at Nordheim Court, advising them to stay indoors and lock all doors and windows.
The shelter-in-place warning was later lifted, though campus officials urged students to remain cautious while the suspect remains at large.
University President Responds
Robert Jones, president of the University of Washington, released a statement expressing condolences to the victim’s family and friends.
He also acknowledged that violence involving a transgender student may cause additional fear and anxiety within the university’s LGBTQIA+ community.
University counselors and student support services are reportedly being made available for students affected by the tragedy.
Medical Examiner Expected to Identify Victim
The King County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to officially identify the victim in the coming days after family members are notified.
Investigators have not yet announced a motive, and the circumstances leading to the deadly stabbing remain unclear.
