Murdered Trans University of Washington Student Remembered by Family as the “Most Amazing Human”
Juniper Blessing, 19, was a singer and had wanted to study atmospheric science while at the University of Washington.
Featured image via the Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance
The family of Juniper Blessing is remembering her as a smart, passionate singer pursuing her academic passions.
Blessing’s body was found Sunday night in the laundry room of a student housing building at the University of Washington in Seattle. The trans 19-year-old, who identified as a woman and used she/they pronouns, had been stabbed several times, according to Seattle Gay News. A medical examiner classified Blessing’s death as a homicide.
Local authorities shared a photo online shortly after Blessing’s body was discovered of a man they believe was connected to Blessing’s killing. On Wednesday, the man turned himself over to police, according to authorities.
NBC News identified him as Christopher Leahy, 31. The outlet reports he was booked for “investigation of Murder.”
In a statement shared by the Santa Fe Human Rights Alliance, Blessing’s family said they were devastated by her killing.
“Our family has been shattered by the loss of our child, Juniper Blessing, to an act of unspeakable violence near the University of Washington campus in Seattle. 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 family said.
The family added that she had been a gifted singer and had begun studying atmospheric science at the University of Washington. Born in Princeton, New Jersey, they said Blessing moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 2018. She attended the New Mexico School for the Arts from 2020 to 2024.
“Perhaps most importantly, Juniper was courageously living their life as who they were until it was cut tragically short,” Blessing’s family said. “Blessed with many loving friends, family members and mentors, Juniper will be deeply missed.”
After Leahy’s arrest, the university’s president, Robert Jones, released a statement saying that while he hoped it brought some assurance, “this arrest does not lessen the profound shock and grief that the victim’s loved ones and our campus are still experiencing or bring back a beloved, promising and talented member of our university.”
“Much is still unknown about what caused this tragedy, and while this development is important, we will be looking closely at the circumstances in which this event occurred as part of our continued efforts to keep our campus community safe,” Jones added, according to NBC News. “I thank everyone who has stepped up this week to offer support, compassion and care. The University remains committed to offering resources for those who need support, including our LGBTQIA+ community, during this difficult time.”
The university’s Trans Collective and Gender Justice League is hosting an event for healing and grief on Saturday, May 16, at 4 p.m. Media outlets have been asked not to attend. A community vigil in Santa Fe is scheduled for Sunday, May 17, at 6:00 p.m.
