Seattle police are investigating the killing of a 19-year-old University of Washington student who was found dead inside a laundry room at a student housing complex near the university’s Seattle campus.
Authorities said the victim, identified by investigators as a transgender woman enrolled at the university, suffered multiple stab wounds in what detectives described as an extremely violent attack.
The case is being investigated as a homicide, and police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man seen in surveillance images released during the investigation.
Discovery
According to the Seattle Police Department, officers responded around 10:10 p.m. Sunday after receiving a 911 call reporting an unresponsive person inside the laundry room of the Nordheim Court apartments.
Nordheim Court is an off-campus housing complex commonly used by University of Washington students.
First responders attempted life-saving measures at the scene, but the student was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Police later confirmed the victim was a 19-year-old transgender woman attending the university.
Investigation
Investigators said the victim suffered more than 40 stab wounds, primarily involving the head, neck, and upper body.
Authorities described the injuries as evidence of a particularly violent assault.
The King County Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting an autopsy to officially determine the cause and manner of death. Officials have not yet publicly released the victim’s identity pending notification of family members.
Detectives have continued processing evidence from the apartment complex and reviewing surveillance footage collected from inside the building.
Suspect
Seattle police released images of a man wanted for questioning in connection with the homicide.
Authorities described the individual as:
| Description | Details |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Race | Light-skinned Black male |
| Estimated Age | 25 to 30 years old |
| Build | Thin |
| Clothing | Dark blue zip-up top, white collared shirt, jeans |
Police said the man should be considered armed and dangerous.
Investigators urged anyone with information regarding the suspect’s identity or location to contact the department’s Violent Crimes Tip Line.
University
The University of Washington released a statement confirming it is cooperating fully with law enforcement officials during the investigation.
University President Robert Jones acknowledged the emotional impact the killing may have on students, particularly members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The university said counseling services, crisis support, and additional campus resources have been made available to students and staff affected by the incident.
Officials also noted that violence involving transgender individuals can create heightened fear and anxiety within vulnerable communities.
Safety
Following the discovery of the victim, residents at Nordheim Court received emergency alerts advising them to shelter in place and secure their doors and windows while police assessed the situation.
Authorities later informed residents there was no immediate ongoing threat to the surrounding area.
The university’s emergency notification system remained active throughout the night as officers conducted interviews and searched the property.
Motive
Investigators have not released information regarding a possible motive in the killing.
Police have also not confirmed whether the victim and the suspect knew each other prior to the attack.
Detectives said the investigation remains active as they continue reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working to identify the individual shown in surveillance images.
Concerns
The homicide has drawn widespread attention both locally and nationally due to the severity of the attack and the victim’s identity as a transgender student.
Advocacy groups and community members have expressed concern about violence targeting transgender individuals, while authorities cautioned that investigators have not yet determined whether bias or hate played a role in the case.
Law enforcement officials said all possible motives remain under review.
Timeline
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Time | Around 10:10 p.m. Sunday |
| Location | Nordheim Court apartments |
| Victim | 19-year-old UW student |
| Cause | Multiple stab wounds |
| Investigation Status | Active homicide investigation |
Police continue urging anyone with relevant information to come forward as investigators work to identify and locate the suspect connected to the killing.
FAQs
Where was the student found?
Inside a laundry room at Nordheim Court.
How old was the victim?
The student was 19 years old.
What is police investigating?
Authorities are investigating a homicide.
Has a suspect been identified?
Police released images of a wanted man.
Did the university respond?
Yes, support services were offered to students.
