Family described Juniper Blessing as a gifted singer and compassionate student whose death has devastated multiple communities.
SEATTLE — The family of a 19-year-old University of Washington student who was stabbed to death near campus says they are “shattered” by the loss of a young woman they described as deeply talented, compassionate and courageous.
Juniper C. Blessing, identified by officials as a transgender woman, was killed Sunday night inside a laundry room at an off-campus student housing complex affiliated with the university.
“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,” the family said in a statement. “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.”
Family members described Blessing as a “gifted singer with a transcendent voice” who attended the New Mexico School for the Arts before moving to Seattle to study atmospheric sciences at the University of Washington while minoring in music and philosophy.
“Perhaps most importantly, Juniper was courageously living their life as who they were until it was cut tragically short,” the family said. “Blessed with many loving friends, family members and mentors, Juniper will be deeply missed.”
The Human Rights Alliance of Santa Fe also called for privacy for the family and said the loss has reverberated through multiple communities.
“This loss has devastated not only those closest to their child but also many others throughout the Seattle, Santa Fe, and LGBTQIA2S communities who are mourning as well,” the organization said.
Police announced Thursday that a 31-year-old suspect had been arrested in connection with the killing after turning himself in to authorities Wednesday night. A judge later found probable cause for murder and set bail at $10 million.
Investigators said the suspect surrendered hours after police publicly released surveillance photos seeking help identifying him.
“I think the images were instrumental in getting this suspect to possibly turn themselves in, because we received a lot of help from the public,” Seattle police Detective Brian Pritchard said.
Authorities said the suspect was booked into jail for investigation of murder. Prosecutors have until Monday to file formal charges.
Police have not yet determined a motive and said the case is not currently being investigated as a hate crime. Investigators are still working to determine whether the stabbing was targeted or random.