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By Amanda Castro and Jenna Sundel
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Seattle police are searching for a suspect after a University of Washington student was found dead inside a school‑affiliated apartment building on Sunday night, prompting hours of shelter‑in‑place alerts for residents. Officers responded to Nordheim Court around 10:10 p.m., where UW police discovered the victim—believed to be a 19‑year‑old transgender woman, according to Seattle Police Department Detective Eric Muñoz—in a laundry room inside the complex.
UW spokesperson Victor Balta told Newsweek that the university is not releasing the name of the victim until their family has been notified. "We will respect their privacy throughout this process," Balta said.
Authorities said the killing remains under active investigation, and no arrests have been made. Police released a description of the suspect and urged anyone who sees him to call 911 immediately. The university lifted its shelter‑in‑place order shortly before 1 a.m., though officials emphasized that the death investigation is ongoing.
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Newsweek reached out to the Seattle Police Department for comment.
What We Know About the Suspect
Seattle police said they are looking for a Black man between 5‑foot‑6 and 5‑foot‑8, with a slim build, black hair, and a beard. He was last seen wearing a button‑up shirt under a dark blue vest and blue jeans.
"This individual just committed a homicide; they should be considered armed and dangerous," Munoz told local news outlet KOMO. "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. It's important we catch them and bring them to justice as fast as we can."
Anyone with information is asked to call the Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206‑233‑5000.
Shelter‑in‑Place Alerts Sent Across Campus Housing
The incident triggered a rapid series of UW Alert notifications, instructing Nordheim Court residents to stay indoors, lock windows and doors, and avoid the area while officers secured the building. Updates posted throughout the night show police sweeping the complex, searching common areas, and expanding the perimeter as additional information came in.
By 12:56 a.m., UW officials said residents could leave their units again, but stressed that detectives were still processing the scene and gathering evidence. The King County Medical Examiner’s Office has taken custody of the body and will release the victim’s identity in the coming days.
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City Officials Respond to 'Deeply Disturbing' Killing
Seattle City Councilmember Maritza Rivera issued a statement Monday after two separate homicides, including the University of Washington student, were reported in her District 4 neighborhoods over the weekend, calling the deaths “tragic” and expressing condolences to the families affected.
“My heart aches for the family and friends of these young people whose lives were cut so horribly short,” she said.
Rivera said Seattle police are investigating both killings and noted that the University of Washington has directed students to available counseling resources, including the 24/7 Husky HelpLine at 206‑616‑7777.
UW Student’s Death Marks Seventh Transgender Killing in 2026
The 19‑year‑old is now the seventh known transgender person killed in the U.S. this year, according to LGBTQ+ advocates tracking nationwide violence.
Her death comes amid a string of killings involving transgender people in 2026, including the fatal shooting of New Mexico farmer Luca RedBeard, and the death of a 29‑year‑old in Marion County, Florida. A transgender Northern Kentucky University student, 22-year-old Murry Foust, remains missing after last being seen heading to class in late April.
LGBTQ+ advocates say each case adds to a climate of fear for trans communities already facing heightened scrutiny and political hostility.
UW President Robert J. Jones said in a statement shared with Newsweek following the student's death: "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."
What We Know About Nordheim Court
Nordheim Court, located in the 5000 block of 25th Avenue NE, is a university‑affiliated apartment complex offering 454 units ranging from studios to four‑bedroom layouts. The building houses a large number of students, many of whom were preparing for end‑of‑quarter coursework when the alerts went out.
The UW spokesperson told Newsweek that, "Nordheim Court is operated by Greystar, and the UW is working with Greystar to ensure residents there are receiving support and resources in light of this tragedy." The Seattle Police Department is leading the homicide investigation and questions specifically about the investigation should be directed to SPD."
UW operates on a quarter system, meaning spring classes run later than at many other universities. Final exams are scheduled for early June, with graduation set for June 13.
Police Ask for Public’s Help
Seattle police are urging anyone with information to contact the Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206‑233‑5000 and reference case 2026‑130611. Anonymous tips are accepted.
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