A 19-year-old transgender student at the University of Washington was fatally stabbed Sunday night at an off-campus student housing complex in Seattle. A homicide investigation has begun. According to the Seattle Police Department, the victim was found in a laundry room at Nordheim Court shortly after 10 p.m. on May 10. Detective Eric Muñoz told NBC News the victim is believed to be a 19-year-old transgender female enrolled at the university. ‘
Authorities have not yet publicly identified her. Police and firefighters attempted lifesaving measures, but Muñoz said responders ultimately pronounced the victim deceased at the scene. The housing complex is privately managed but affiliated with the university and located near Seattle’s U-Village neighborhood. Residents received an emergency alert from the University instructing them to stay inside and lock windows and doors.
The alert was lifted around 1 a.m. Muñoz wrote in a blotter report, “Officers are actively searching for the suspect, believed to be a black male with a beard, 5’6-8” tall, wearing a vest with a button-up shirt, and blue jeans.” This is the seventh known violent killing of a trans person reported in 2026. The investigation is ongoing and the police are asking anyone with information to contact the Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.
