SEATTLE – Memorials are growing on the University of Washington campus and at an off-campus apartment complex for 19-year-old student Juniper Blessing, who police said was found stabbed to death in a laundry room last Sunday.
Christopher Leahy, 31, surrendered to police shortly after surveillance photos were released showing Leahy at the homicide scene. The suspect remains in custody after a judge found probable cause for first-degree murder with a deadly weapon and set Leahy’s bail at $10 million in a first court appearance on Thursday.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE | UW community mourns death of student Juniper Blessing as memorials grow on campus
A charging decision is expected by Monday evening, after the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office receives a case from Seattle police investigators.
“There could certainly be new information, or it could be very similar to what we saw in the first appearance hearing,” said Casey McNerthney from the attorney’s office. “All the questions that we have on our minds are ones that Seattle police investigators are asking, too.”
King County prosecutors said Blessing was found with over 40 stab wounds in the laundry room of the Nordheim Court apartments. Court documents state surveillance video captured Leahy and Blessing entering the laundry room shortly before the killing. Detectives said Leahy appeared to remain inside the room for several minutes before later exiting alone.
Leahy’s defense attorney argued he should instead face a second-degree murder allegation, disputing whether the killing was premeditated. The defense also asked for a lower bail than the prosecutors’ request, but a judge ruled the severity of the crime justified keeping bail at $10 million.
Police have not yet shared a potential motive or whether the stabbing attack was random or targeted.
Family members said Blessing was a gifted singer and intended to study atmospheric science at UW. “Juniper was simply the most amazing human being we have ever known – highly intelligent, extremely talented, and deeply sensitive to the needs of others. Juniper’s loss not only devastates us but diminishes the world,” the statement reads.
A private event, focused on the community’s grief and healing, was held on UW’s campus in Blessing’s honor on Saturday.
Students left flowers, candles, and hand-written notes throughout the past week in Red Square, on the university’s campus, and outside of the Nordheim Court apartments where Blessing was found dead.Anyone with more information is asked to call the SPD violent crimes tip line at 206-233-5000. Anonymous tips are welcome.
ट्विटर पर साझा करें: Charging decision expected Monday in UW student homicide investigation $10M bail in place
