Seattle, Washington — A University of Washington student was found fatally stabbed inside an off-campus housing complex Sunday night, prompting an active homicide investigation and a search for a suspect who remains at large.
The tragic killing has shaken the university community as students and residents grapple with fears following the violent incident.
Student Found Inside Housing Complex Laundry Room
According to the Seattle Police Department, officers responded around 10:10 p.m. on May 10 to the Nordheim Court housing complex, where the victim was discovered inside a laundry room.
Responding officers and firefighters attempted lifesaving measures after locating the student suffering from stab wounds, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police told NBC News the victim is believed to be a 19-year-old transgender woman, though her identity has not yet been publicly released pending notification of family members.
Investigators continue working to determine exactly what led up to the fatal attack.
Police Searching for Armed and Dangerous Suspect
Authorities say the suspect fled the scene shortly after the stabbing and remains on the run.
Police described the suspect as a Black male with a beard, approximately 5’6” to 5’8” tall, wearing a vest with a button-up shirt and blue jeans.
University police told that the suspect is believed to be between 25 and 30 years old.
Investigators are warning the public to exercise caution while the search continues.
“This individual just committed a homicide; they should be considered armed and dangerous,” Seattle Police Department Detective Eric Muñoz told the outlet.
“If we can provide more information to the public, we will. We don’t believe at this point anyone else is at risk; however, this is still an armed and dangerous homicide suspect. It’s important we catch them and bring them to justice as fast as we can.”
University Community Left Shaken
Following the stabbing, students living at Nordheim Court reportedly received emergency alerts instructing them to remain indoors and lock their doors and windows while police searched the area.
Authorities later informed residents they no longer needed to shelter in place, though the homicide investigation remains active.
University President Robert Jones addressed the tragedy in a statement expressing condolences to the victim’s loved ones and acknowledging the emotional impact on students.
“I want to express my deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and loved ones of the UW student who was killed late last night,” Jones said.
“There are no words that can express the profound loss of a student,” he added.
Jones also acknowledged the concerns the incident may raise within the LGBTQIA+ community.
“While investigators have not yet identified a suspect or a motive, I want to recognize that when violence affects a trans person it can be especially worrying to our LGBTQIA+ community members.”
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Seattle police said homicide detectives and crime scene investigators responded to process evidence and continue gathering information related to the case.
Officials have not announced a possible motive, and authorities have not confirmed whether the victim knew the suspect.
The King County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to formally identify the student in the coming days.
Police are urging anyone with information connected to the case to contact the Seattle Police Department’s Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.
Community Searching for Answers
The deadly stabbing has left many students and residents struggling with fear and grief as investigators work to piece together what happened.
The incident also renews ongoing conversations surrounding campus safety, violence against transgender individuals, and security in off-campus student housing areas.
As police continue their search for the suspect, many in the University of Washington community are hoping for answers — and justice for the young student whose life was tragically cut short.
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