Seattle police seek armed suspect after UW student killed in campus housing

Seattle police are hunting for an armed suspect after a University of Washington student was killed inside Nordheim Court, a school-affiliated housing complex just off campus in the University District. Investigators say the case is being treated as a homicide, and the victim was found dead in a laundry room after emergency crews tried to save the person’s life.

UW police responded about 10:10 p.m. Sunday to the building at 5000 25th Avenue Northeast, where officers found the victim deceased inside the complex. Seattle Fire Department personnel and police attempted lifesaving treatment, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The King County Medical Examiner’s Office will identify the victim after next-of-kin notification and determine the cause and manner of death.

Police described the suspect as a Black male with a beard, about 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-8, wearing blue jeans and a vest over a button-up shirt. UW police also believed he was about 25 to 30 years old and ran from the scene. Seattle police warned that he should be considered armed and dangerous.

The killing has put a harsh spotlight on safety in university housing that sits near, but not inside, the core campus footprint. Nordheim Court is part of UW housing, with fully furnished apartments, laundry facilities and 12-month housing options. The complex serves students who live in a setting that is tied to the university but still exposed to the realities of a busy residential neighborhood.

UW and Seattle police cordoned off the area as the investigation shifted to homicide detectives. Residents were told to shelter in place overnight, and that order was lifted just before 1 a.m. Monday. University officials directed students to support services through the UW Counseling Center, SafeCampus and the 24/7 Husky HelpLine as the campus community absorbed the news.

Police asked anyone with information to call the Seattle Police Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000, including anonymous tips. With a suspect still on the loose, the case has raised urgent questions about how universities protect students who live in housing built for campus life but located beyond the traditional center of campus.