Through the Static

By Hannah Saunders

A 19-year-old UW student who is Transgender was stabbed to death on the night of Mother’s Day at an off-campus housing building. The young woman died alone on the floor of the laundry room at Nordheim Court, located at 5000 25th Avenue Northeast.

Seattle Police are investigating the murder and searching for the suspect,”believed to be a black male with a beard, 5’6-8″ tall, wearing a vest with button up shirt, and blue jeans,” the department stated. UW President Robert J. Jones issued a statement to UW’s The Daily about the loss of the student.

“There are no words that can express the profound loss of a student. While investigators have not yet identified a suspect or motive, I want to recognize that when violence affects a trans person it can be especially worrying to our LGBTQIA+ community members,” Jones said. “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.”

It took Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and members of the city council a full day to begin issuing statements about the student’s murder. She said every young person deserves to feel safe and supported in Seattle, and repeatedly said she is “devastated.”

“We are also working with the University of Washington and the UW Q Center to provide support to the communities who surrounded this young trans woman,” Mayor Wilson said.

The UW Trans Collective said they are heartbroken that their Trans sister was taken from them, and offered words of advice and comfort.

“If you are trans, please stay vigilant in these coming times, stay informed, and most importantly, stay safe. If you are not trans, do what you can to support and uplift trans people in your community,” UW Trans Collective said. “Every member of our community is invaluable and we cannot risk losing another.”

This tragic news comes just days before Turning Point USA is to host another event on the UW campus, this time featuring Chloe Cole. The 21-year-old is the far-right’s face of detransitioning, and has been on Fox and has testified in hearings against gender-affirming care for minors. Students will be protesting this event and are encouraged to get loud, despite a student drummer getting arrested several weeks ago for drumming to loudly at another TPUSA event.

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