UW choir singer fatally stabbed 40 times near the university of washington; suspect charged

A 19-year-old choir singer and student at the University of Washington, identified as Juniper Blessing, was fatally stabbed more than 40 times in a laundry room at the Nordheim Court student housing complex near campus in Seattle.

Police say the suspect,Christopher Leahy, later turned himself in and has been charged with first degree murder. Court documents state Blessing suffered wounds to the head, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands.

Investigators allege surveillance footage showed the suspect inside the building before the attack, reportedly appearing to check for cameras. Authorities said some video evidence was recovered after a camera had been unplugged.

Blessing was remembered by family, friends, and fellow students as a gifted singer and compassionate person who studied atmospheric science while pursuing music and philosophy

Eunice Onyancha