A manhunt has been launched for an “armed and dangerous” suspect after a University of Washington student was found fatally stabbed in a laundry room.
UW police officers raced to a student housing block at 10.10 p.m. on Sunday night, where they discovered the body.
Police told NBC News the victim is “believed to be a 19-year-old transgender female”, though they have yet to be formally identified.
According to a statement from the Seattle Police Department, officers and members of the Seattle Fire Department attempted lifesaving treatment, but the victim was ultimately pronounced dead by the SFD.
UW police told KOMO News that the suspect, who is believed to be 25-30 years old, had fled from the scene.
“This individual just committed a homicide; they should be considered armed and dangerous,” Detective Eric Muñoz told the outlet. “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,” he continued. “It’s important we catch them and bring them to justice as fast as we can.”
In the SPD statement, officials said that officers are actively searching for a Black male suspect described as 5’6-8” tall. He was also described as having a beard and as wearing a vest with a button-up shirt and blue jeans.
Police added that the victim will be identified by the King County Medical Examiner in the coming days.
In a statement given to the university’s newspaper, The Daily, UW President Robert J. Jones expressed his sympathies with the victim’s family and loved ones.
“There are no words that can express the profound loss of a student,” Jones said. “While investigators have not yet identified a suspect or a motive, I want to recognize that when violence affects a trans person, it can be especially worrying to our LGBTQIA+ community members.”
The university’s president went on to say that support is being offered to students affected by the incident.
Victor Balta, a university spokesperson, told the newspaper that Greystar, which operates Nordheim Court, was also working with the UW to ensure that residents receive support.
During the investigation, Nordheim Court residents were told via the UW Alert system to stay indoors and to lock their windows and doors, according to NBC News.
At 12.56 a.m., they were told that they “no longer needed to remain inside their homes” and that a “death investigation remains ongoing.”
