Juniper Blessing, a 19‑year‑old University of Washington student and noted choir soloist, was found fatally stabbed at an off‑campus residence. The King County Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide; court records indicate roughly 40 stab wounds. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the attack, and 31‑year‑old Christopher Leahy turned himself in and was arrested on a murder charge. The investigation is ongoing; police ask anyone with information to call 206‑233‑5000.
University of Washington Choir Member Juniper Blessing Fatally Stabbed; Suspect Turns Himself In
Juniper Blessing (left); and Christopher Leahy.Credit: Santa Fe Pride and Human Rights Alliance; Seattle Police Department
Juniper Blessing, a 19-year-old University of Washington student and talented choir soloist, was fatally stabbed at an off‑campus residence near the UW campus over the weekend, authorities say. King County Medical Examiner records list the death as a homicide caused by multiple stab wounds.
Victim: Online records identify the victim as Michael "Juniper" C. Blessing, who used the name Juniper. Blessing previously attended the New Mexico School for the Arts and was celebrated by family and the school for a "transcendent" singing voice and a recent choir solo performance.
Investigation Details
According to court records and local reporting, Blessing suffered roughly 40 stab wounds to the head, neck, shoulders, arms and hands. Surveillance footage recovered by investigators reportedly captured the attack, even though footage from the relevant timeframe had allegedly been deleted.
Juniper Blessing.Credit: Santa Fe Pride and Human Rights Alliance
On Wednesday, May 13, police released surveillance images of a suspect; hours later, 31‑year‑old Christopher Leahy turned himself in at the Bellevue Police Department and was arrested on a murder charge, the Seattle Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE. It is not yet publicly known whether Leahy has entered a plea or retained counsel.
Witness Accounts
Court filings cite witness statements placing a man matching the suspect’s description in the vicinity of the building’s laundry room around the time of the killing. Two students told investigators they saw the suspect near the laundry room; one reported seeing him inside the room looking out a window on Sunday, May 10. Another witness said they crossed paths with the suspect while entering the laundry room and later discovered Blessing’s body inside.
“Juniper’s loss not only devastates us but diminishes the world,” the family said in a statement reposted by local outlets.
Next Steps
Seattle police say the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with information to contact detectives at the Tip Line: 206‑233‑5000. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
Note: Reporting to date comes from the King County Medical Examiner, court records, local news outlets and statements from law enforcement and the victim’s family.
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