19-year-old transgender woman found dead in laundry room at UW-area apartment complex; suspect on the loose

University of Washington Police Department and Seattle Police Department (SPD) are searching for a suspect after a 19-year-old transgender woman was found dead inside an off-campus apartment complex near the University of Washington (UW) campus late Sunday night.

Police said the woman was discovered in a laundry room at Nordheim Court Apartments, located north of University Village behind the Crate and Barrel store and nearby apartments. The complex primarily houses international and graduate students affiliated with the university.

Authorities said the first 911 call came in around 10 p.m. Investigators have not yet released how the victim was killed and have not said whether the suspect and victim knew each other.

UW Apt crime scene where a 19yr old transgender female student was stabbed to death Sunday night… crime tape still up and search for suspect continues. @KIRONewsradio @Mynorthwest pic.twitter.com/FRHqz5Z871

— Luke Duecy (@LukeKIRO) May 11, 2026

An alert sent to students at 10:42 p.m. stated that UW police were “investigating a possible homicide in Nordheim Court 7 laundry room.”

Police are searching for a man described as between 5 feet, 6 inches and 5 feet, 7 inches tall, with a slim build, black hair, and a beard. He was last seen wearing a button-up shirt under a dark blue vest.

Photos from the scene showed a large police response outside the apartment complex overnight.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911.

UW’s resources for those who might need support

UW Counseling Center: UW’s Counseling Center provides a variety of options for support, including the 24/7 Husky HelpLine.

SafeCampus is available to discuss (anonymously or otherwise) safety and well-being concerns for yourself or others by calling (206) 685-7233 or via email at safecampus@uw.edu. Their skilled team of violence prevention specialists is available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding UW holidays.

Husky Assist is the UW mobile response team that provides on-site behavioral health support for students, faculty, and staff in crisis on the UW campus in Seattle. You can call on Husky Assist when you or a student, faculty, or staff member on campus is facing an urgent mental health or substance use issue. Husky Assist team members are trained mental health professionals who can respond compassionately to a variety of situations. Call (206) 543-9331 or 911 to reach Husky Assist for help on the Seattle campus.

Staff also have resources available via the Washington State Employee Assistance Program (WA EAP).

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