A judge has found Christopher Leahy, 31, incompetent to stand trial for the murder of 19-year-old Juniper Blessing, a transgender student at the University of Washington. Leahy is accused of stabbing Blessing more than 40 times in a laundry room in May.
At a hearing on Monday, Leahy was ordered to spend up to 90 days at a hospital after a panel of medical experts determined he cannot currently assist in his own defense. His attorney had raised concerns about his mental competency earlier this month. Leahy will remain at the hospital for treatment while doctors assess whether he can be found fit to stand trial.
Leahy surrendered to police five days after the May 10 killing, following the release of surveillance images that showed his face. Another student, who was entering the laundry facility, reportedly held the door for Leahy and later discovered Blessing's body, prompting a 911 call.
Surveillance footage showed Leahy entering and exiting the laundry room of the off-campus student housing complex. Prosecutors allege he unplugged a camera once he was alone with Blessing. Details regarding Leahy's mental health condition have not been publicly released, though his attorneys have sought to seal certain case documents, citing defense strategy and the identification of potential expert witnesses.
Leahy is scheduled to return to court in September for a review of his competency. The competency restoration process can take up to a year, according to the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.
Juniper Blessing's family described the student as "simply the most amazing human being we have ever known – highly intelligent, extremely talented, and deeply sensitive to the needs of others." LGBTQ+ advocates have attended court hearings and plan to remain involved in the proceedings to honor Blessing's legacy.