Transgender student dead after University of Washington stabbing as search underway
University of Washington (Wikimedia Commons)
Police are searching for a suspect linked to the stabbing of a transgender University of Washington student, who was found dead at an off-campus apartment complex on 10 May.
The victim, believed to be a 19-year-old trans woman, has not yet been named. University of Washington spokesperson Victor Balta told USA Today that her identity would not be confirmed until next of kin had been informed. Balta added that the suspect had not yet been found, and a motive had not been determined.
The University’s President Robert Jones said in a statement on 11 May that he shared his “deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and loved ones of the UW student who was killed late last night”.
Seattle Police are now investigating the murder. They said in a statement: “Officers are actively searching for the suspect, believed to be a Black male with a beard, 5’6-8″ tall, wearing a vest with a button up shirt, and blue jeans.”
‘We don’t believe at this point anyone else is at risk’
The incident took place before 10.40pm on Sunday, 10 May. An emergency campus alert was sent to residents of the Nordheim Court apartments, and they were told to “stay indoors and lock doors and windows”. The area was secured by 11.05pm, with the university sharing a description of the suspect around 30 minutes later.
The University added that the suspect was 25 to 30 years old “with a slim build, black hair, and beard”.
Seattle Police Department Det. Eric Munox said, as per 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.”
UW President Robert Jones added in a statement: “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 recognise that when violence affects a trans person it can be especially worrying to our LGBTQIA+ community members.”
Local residents have been advised to contact the police if they have any additional information or saw anyone matching the suspect’s description.
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