Key Points
- A 19-year-old transgender woman and University of Washington Student was found stabbed to death in a laundry room at the off-campus Nordheim Court Apartments, Building 7, on 25th Ave. NE in Seattle at around 10:10 p.m. on Sunday, May 10, 2026.
- Seattle Police Department (SPD) is leading the homicide investigation, with no suspect identified or motive established as of May 11, 2026.
- The suspect is described as a Black male, aged 25-30, 5’6″-5’8″ tall, slim build, black hair, beard, last seen wearing a button-up shirt under a dark blue vest and blue jeans; considered armed and dangerous.
- University of Washington (UW) issued a safety alert at 10:40 p.m. on May 10, instructing Nordheim Court residents to stay indoors and lock doors/windows; lockdown lifted around 1 a.m..
- UW President Robert J. Jones issued a statement expressing condolences and noting concern for the LGBTQIA+ community.
- Residents report concerns over security, including a possible prior break-in attempt by a man matching the suspect’s description.
- Public asked to contact SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000 with information.
- Victim’s identity not released pending family notification; King County Medical Examiner to confirm.
Seattle (King County Insider), May 11, 2026 – A 19-year-old transgender woman and University of Washington student was fatally stabbed in the laundry room of the off-campus Nordheim Court Apartments, prompting an urgent manhunt for a suspect described as armed and dangerous by Seattle police.
What Happened in the Stabbing Incident?
The victim was discovered around 10:10 p.m. on Sunday, May 10, 2026, in a laundry room at Nordheim Court Apartments, Building 7, located at 25th Ave. NE near University Village and the Burke-Gilman Trail, according to a Seattle Police Department report cited by KIRO 7. Officers from University of Washington Police Department (UWPD) responded to the initial call around 10:30 p.m., finding the student with fatal stab wounds; Seattle Fire Department personnel pronounced her dead at the scene despite efforts to save her. As reported by People magazine staff, police confirmed to NBC News that the victim is believed to be a 19-year-old transgender woman, though her identity has not been publicly released pending notification of next of kin by the King County Medical Examiner.
“The circumstances leading up to the murder are under investigation,” Seattle police stated in a Monday release, as quoted across multiple outlets including FOX 13 Seattle. A UW spokesperson told KIRO 7, “We are unable to confirm the identity of the student who was killed in the laundry room at Nordheim Court Building 7 until the student’s family has been notified, and we will respect their privacy throughout this process. No suspect has been identified and no motive for this crime has been established”. Nordheim Court is part of UW campus housing but privately managed by Greystar, and UW is coordinating support for residents.
Who Is the Suspect Police Are Searching For?
Seattle police described the suspect as a Black male, approximately 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall (or up to 5’8″ per some reports), with a slim build, black hair, and a beard, last seen wearing a button-up shirt, dark blue vest, and blue jeans, according to KIRO 7 and FOX 13 Seattle. University police added to KOMO News that he is believed to be between 25 and 30 years old and fled the scene after the killing. “Officers are actively searching for the suspect,” police said, urging anyone spotting him to call 911, with tips also accepted anonymously via the Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.
FOX 13 Seattle reported that officials do not believe the suspect is a UW student, and the nature of any relationship with the victim remains unclear. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage to determine if the attack was targeted or random, as stated by SPD investigators to FOX 13 Seattle. SPD and UWPD are collaborating on the search.
How Did University Officials Respond to the Homicide?
The University of Washington issued an alert at 10:40 p.m. on May 10, stating, “If you are at Nordheim Court, stay indoors and lock doors and windows,” according to Seattle police and UW communications. The lockdown was lifted around 1 a.m., allowing residents to move freely while the investigation continued. UW President Robert J. Jones released a statement, as quoted by Attitude magazine: “I want to express my deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and loved ones of the UW student who was killed late last night. There are no words that can express the profound loss of a student”.
Jones continued, as reported by FOX 13 Seattle and People: “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. Our Division of Student Life is reaching out to students affected and providing support and resources to help them through this very difficult ordeal. We are grateful to the Seattle Police Department homicide division for leading the investigation as they work to find the person responsible for this horrendous crime”. A university spokesperson added to KIRO 7 that UW is working with Greystar to support residents.
What Are Residents Saying About Security Concerns?
Residents at Nordheim Court expressed alarm over how the suspect accessed the supposedly secure laundry room. UW student Nico Zheng told KIRO 7, “That’s also what I’m kind of concerned about, is that somebody may have access to this thing, and the suspect may have been a resident here, or, you know, have gained entry somehow”. Another resident, Tramon Jones, said to KIRO 7, “How does that happen?” and noted it made him “more weary” about staying, adding, “Death, no. But people getting in, just being on the property when they’re not supposed to, finding a way in at night, even when we try to kick them out? Yeah. Often”.
FOX 13 Seattle reported that some students in the same building said a man matching the suspect’s description tried breaking into their apartment weeks earlier. Police advised staying vigilant, in pairs near campus, and reporting suspicious activity.
What Support Resources Are Available?
UW highlighted resources including the Counseling Center’s 24/7 Husky HelpLine, SafeCampus at 206-685-7233 or safecampus@uw.edu (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.), Husky Assist at 206-543-9331 or 911 for crises, and Washington State Employee Assistance Program for staff, as listed by KIRO 7. SPD emphasized directing investigation questions to them.
Background of the Incident
Nordheim Court Apartments, located off-campus but designated as UW housing and managed by Greystar, house students near University Village and the Burke-Gilman Trail in Seattle’s University District. The complex has faced prior reports of unauthorized access, as noted by residents to local media, though no prior fatalities were reported. Seattle Police Department’s homicide unit typically leads such investigations in university-adjacent areas, collaborating with campus police. This marks a rare violent incident in the housing, heightening focus on security in student accommodations.
Prediction:
This Development can increase safety concerns among UW students, particularly those in off-campus housing like Nordheim Court, leading to heightened vigilance, potential changes in living arrangements, and demands for improved security measures such as better access controls. For the LGBTQIA+ community on campus, it can amplify worries about targeted violence, prompting greater utilization of support resources like the Division of Student Life and Husky HelpLine, as well as broader discussions on trans safety. The ongoing suspect search can disrupt normal campus life temporarily, with alerts and tip lines fostering community involvement in the investigation.
