University of Washington student killed in dorm laundry room suffered over 40 stab wounds, suspect charged with murder
A 19-year-old University of Washington student was found dead in a student housing building after suffering more than 40 stab wounds to the head, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands, according to court documents. Juniper Blessing was discovered covered in blood in the laundry room of the Nordheim Court residence hall on Sunday night, authorities said.
A 31-year-old man, Christopher Leahy, was later booked for first-degree murder after surrendering to police on Wednesday, according to investigators. Court documents state that Leahy was identified after surveillance footage from the building showed a man inside the laundry room shortly before and after the attack. Another resident reported being followed into the facility by a man who said he was waiting for his laundry, and video later showed him appearing to search the room and look toward cameras before leaving and returning again.
Investigators said the footage captured Blessing in the laundry room using a dryer, while the suspect re-entered the space moments later and was seen staring toward a camera and tracking its wiring before exiting again. The video ended shortly after.
Police said images released from the surveillance footage were recognized by a relative and a friend of Leahy, prompting him to contact authorities and turn himself in with his parents. He was taken into custody and made his first court appearance on Thursday, with a follow-up hearing scheduled for Monday. He has not entered a plea.
Blessing’s family described them in a statement as a gifted and compassionate student and singer with plans to study atmospheric science, music, and philosophy. They said their death has left the family devastated and “diminishes the world.”
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