Tragedy has struck the University of Washington.
On Monday, the Seattle Police Department revealed in a statement that a 19-year-old UW student was stabbed in an off-campus attack at the Nordheim Court apartment complex late on Sunday night. Unfortunately, despite life-saving measures carried out by first responders after the victim was found in the complex’s laundry room, the teen was pronounced dead at the scene:
“At about 10:10 p.m., UW police officers responded to a stabbing at Nordheim Court, 5000 25th Avenue Northeast. There, they found a deceased victim in a laundry room. Police and the Seattle Fire Department attempted lifesaving treatment. Despite all efforts, SFD pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.”
According to the SPD, authorities “cordoned off the area” as they awaited detectives with the department’s Homicide and Crime Scene Investigation Units to launch an investigation. Sadly, no suspect is in custody. However, the search is ongoing. The SPD wrote in their statement:
“The circumstances leading up to the murder are under investigation. Officers are actively searching for the suspect, believed to be a black male with a beard, 5’6-8” tall, wearing a vest with button up shirt, and blue jeans.”
As of now, the teen victim has not been identified beyond being described as a 19-year-old transgender woman. More information will likely become available once the woman’s family is notified of her murder.
So, so incredibly sad. And SO young.
Related: Washington Woman Found Dead In Garbage Can In ‘Suspicious’ Scene — What Happened?
In the wake of the tragedy, University of Washington President Robert J. Jones addressed the “horrendous” situation in a statement to The Daily:
“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. There are no words that can express the profound loss of a student. 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. Our Division of Student Life is reaching out to students affected and providing support and resources to help them through this very difficult ordeal. We are grateful to the Seattle Police Department homicide division for leading the investigation as they work to find the person responsible for this horrendous crime.”
University spokesperson Victor Balta added:
“Nordheim Court is operated by Greystar, and the UW is working with Greystar to ensure residents there are receiving support and resources in light of this tragedy.”
SPD Detective Eric Muñoz told KOMO News:
“This individual just committed a homicide; they should be considered armed and dangerous. 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.”
More information (below):
Our hearts are with the victim’s family during this unfathomable time. Rest in peace.
The Seattle Police Department is currently asking anyone with information to contact the Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000. Anonymous tips are accepted.
To learn more about advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, check out https://www.glaad.org/
[Images via King 5 Seattle/YouTube]
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