A shocking new security video shows a 31-year-old man stalking a transgender University of Washington student in an off-campus dormitory laundry room before killing her minutes later. Christopher Leahy stabbed 19-year-old Juniper Blessing of New Jersey, stabbing her 40 times.
The chilling video shows Leahy walking in and out of the laundry room at Seattle’s Nordheim Court residence hall on May 10 until he and Blessing were alone. He then unplugged the camera and stabbed the male and female student to death, KOMO-TV News reported.
Additional surveillance video released by the King County Prosecutor’s Office showed Leahy earlier trying to open the doors of several nearby homes, the outlet reported.
“Police indicated that the defendant attempted to enter a private residence in Ravenna in the days leading up to the homicide,” Prosecutor’s Office representative Casey McNerthney told KOMO.
“Police said that prior to Juniper’s death on the 10th, he attempted to enter at least one other campus building,” McNathney added.
Who is Juniper Blessing?
Blessing’s family said the college student was born in Princeton and was named Michael Carneiro da Cunha Blessing. new jerseyand moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2018. They are reportedly attending the New Mexico Institute of the Arts until 2024. Human Rights League.
“Our family is heartbroken after the death of our child, Juniper Blessing, in an unspeakable act of violence near the University of Washington campus in Seattle,” a family statement shared by the Human Rights Alliance said. “Juniper was the most amazing person we knew, incredibly smart, talented, and sensitive to the needs of others. Juniper’s death not only devastates us, but leaves the world a smaller place.”
“Ginni grew up loving weather, and at the University of Washington, they plan to study atmospheric science while continuing to study voice and minor in music and philosophy. They love Seattle and Santa Fe, where they work as ushers at the Santa Fe Opera in the summer,” the article continues.
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The statement added, “Perhaps most importantly, Juniper bravely lived his life until it was tragically cut short. Juniper had many dear friends, family, and mentors, and Juniper will be deeply missed. In this time of loss, we ask that you grieve with us, but respect our privacy and respect our memory and ours.”
Leahy did not attend the school. He surrendered to police on May 12 after police released security camera photos of him at the scene. he was charged with first degree murder.
What does the new footage show?
Newly released video shows Leahy following another student into the laundry room before abruptly leaving around 9:45 p.m. He returned again around 10 p.m., when Blessing was seen sitting on the floor in front of a dryer with a male student standing next to him.
Leahy looks into the camera as she enters. However, he quickly exited the room, with the male student walking out behind him. Blessing was left alone in the room.
Leahy returned again and unplugged the security camera, according to King County prosecutors. Prosecutors said Leahy “appeared to use his eyes and head to trace the path of the power cord from a camera on the wall above the doorway,” KOMO reported.
Minutes later, another student entered the room and found Blessing on the floor, covered in blood. Then the student called 911.
Leahy was initially due in court on Thursday. However, the hearing was postponed after his lawyers asked for more time for a mental health evaluation.
