Editor’s note: this article is an ongoing story, please check in for future updates.
[5/14 10:40am] The suspect potentially responsible for the homicide of a 19 y/o trans student has now been identified as 31 y/o Christopher Leahy.
According to King County Jails, the suspect had been booked at 3:45am in the morning. SPD officials say he turned himself in to Bellevue Police at 10:20pm last night.
An anonymous source who is working with the family of the deceased victim confirmed to the SGN that their child used they/them pronouns.
The source also said, “the family does not want media attention, but they do want their [child] represented honorably and respectfully.”
The suspect is scheduled for his first appearance at 2 p.m. today in King County Jail Courtroom No. 1 at 500 5th Ave., Seattle, WA 98104
A 19 y/o Transgender student was found deceased on May 10 in the laundry room of an off-campus, University of Washington student housing complex in U-Village Nordheim Court by UW police officers, according to Seattle Police Department Detective Eric Muñoz who told NBC on Monday.
Law enforcement officials have also released three photographs of the suspect.
Investigation
SPD Chief Shon Barnes told the SGN that so far the department has not been able to verify the identity of the victim, including her Trans identity. The department is still waiting for the person’s family to confirm those details.
“I think it is very important that we identify the victim correctly,” Assistant Chief Nicole Powell said of the situation.
Assistant Chief Powell also said the search for the suspect is ongoing, adding that “right now we are going through a lot of video footage, canvassing the area.”
She also told the SGN that her department is still waiting for a preliminary report from the King County Medical Examiner to confirm the exact cause of death, though she confirmed that UW Police responded to a call reporting a stabbing the day before at around 10:10 p.m.
SPD Chief Shon Barnes told the SGN so far the department has not been able to verify the identity, including the Trans identity, of the victim as of May 11. The department is still waiting for the presumed family to confirm those details.
Assistant Chief Nicole Powell said of the situation that, “I think it is very important that we identify the victim correctly,” in regards to how the victim might have identified.
Assistant Chief Powell said the search for the suspect is ongoing, “right now we are going through a lot of video footage, canvassing the area.”
She also told the SGN that her department is still waiting for a preliminary report from the King County Medical Examiner to confirm the exact cause of death for the victim, though she confirmed UW Police responded to a call reporting a stabbing yesterday at around 10:10pm.
Statements
UW President Robert J. Jones expressed condolences to the victim’s family members, and also addressed the impacts that tragic incidents like these have on the UW’s LGBTQIA+ students and staff.
“There are no words that can express the profound loss of a student,” Jones said. “I want to recognize that when violence affects a trans person, it can be especially worrying to our LGBTQIA+ community members. Our Division of Student Life is reaching out to students affected and providing support and resources to help them through this very difficult ordeal.”
Seattle City Councilmember Maritza Rivera, who represents District 4, which covers UW, issued a statement that said, “As a mom, my heart aches for her family and friends. As a councilmember, this violent crime is disturbing. I know Seattle police are investigating, and I will be meeting with UW later today.”
Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck, also gave a statement about the situation: “Trans people deserve safety, dignity, and prosperity. Last night, a 19-year-old trans woman was murdered off-campus at the UW, a life over far too soon. We do not yet know her name, but I know that she deserved better than this. Seattle must serve as a refuge for our trans neighbors who are fleeing regions trying to erase their existence, which is why today’s news is so devastating and horrific. My heart is with both the trans and UW student communities, and I hope all of Seattle will join me in showing up for our trans community with care and compassion during this time.”
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