Authorities in Seattle are searching for a suspect following the death of a 19-year-old female student at an off-campus University of Washington housing complex late Sunday night, an incident that has shaken the campus community and prompted increased safety concerns among students and residents.
According to university officials and Seattle police, officers responded around 10:20 p.m. to reports of a stabbing at the Nordheim Court Apartments, located in the 5000 block of 25th Avenue Northeast. The apartment complex serves as off-campus student housing for University of Washington students.
When officers arrived at Building 7 of the complex, they discovered the student deceased inside a laundry room, according to a statement released by Seattle police Monday morning. Authorities immediately secured the area and launched a large-scale search for the suspect, while residents throughout the apartment complex were instructed to remain inside their units and lock all doors and windows as a precaution.
University police issued a series of emergency alerts overnight advising students and residents to shelter in place while law enforcement officers searched the surrounding neighborhood. The shelter-in-place advisory remained active for several hours before residents were informed shortly after 1 a.m. Monday that they could safely leave their apartments, although the investigation remained ongoing.
Police said they are actively searching for a man believed to be connected to the killing. Investigators described the suspect as a Black male between the ages of 25 and 30, approximately 5-foot-7 with a slim build, black hair, and a beard. Authorities said he was last seen wearing blue jeans, a dark blue vest, and a button-up shirt.
At this time, officials have not publicly released details regarding a possible motive or whether the suspect and victim knew each other. Detectives from Seattle Police Department’s homicide unit, alongside University of Washington police, continue to gather evidence, review surveillance footage, and interview witnesses connected to the case.
The violent death has left many students and community members in shock, particularly because the incident occurred in student housing near campus. Messages of grief and concern quickly spread across social media as students expressed fear, sadness, and frustration over safety issues surrounding the university area.
University officials said counseling and emotional support services are being made available for students, faculty, and staff affected by the tragedy. Resources include the University of Washington Counseling Center, SafeCampus, Husky Assist, and the Washington State Employee Assistance Program.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information related to the case or the suspect’s whereabouts to contact the Seattle Police violent crime tip line at 206-233-5000. Investigators continue to ask members of the public to remain vigilant as the search for the suspect remains active.
The identity of the student has not yet been publicly released pending notification of family members.