SEATTLE, Wash. — Christopher Leahy, the man accused of stabbing University of Washington student Juniper Blessing to death in May, will receive a second round of psychiatric treatment.
Leahy declined to appear before the court Monday afternoon after his lawyer requested the media not film his appearance over Zoom.
Shortly after, Leahy’s psychiatrist told the court that although he has made progress, he would benefit from a second round of treatment, which was granted by the judge.
The ruling marks the second time Leahy has been recommended for mental health care after being found unfit to stand trial in late June.
Leahy is set to receive more treatment at Western State Hospital, the facility that originally reported to the court that Leahy was “not mentally competent” to plead guilty or not guilty in June.
Blessing’s death garnered nationwide attention, with court records detailing the over 40 stab wounds to her neck, head, and arms that killed her.
In a statement to KIRO 7, Blessing’s family said their focus remains on their daughter, whose 20th birthday was last week.
“Everywhere we go, we see the kindness of Juni’s spirit and revel in its legacy. Given Juniper’s beautiful spirit, talent, and intelligence, we cannot help but wonder what more she might have accomplished, and what the world would have gained, had she been able to live the full life she deserved,” the family wrote.
Leahy’s next competency hearing is scheduled for December 22, the court said. At the closing of the hearing, the judge said he believes Leahy is able to understand the charges against him but that his psychiatric symptoms prevent him from being able to assist counsel in choosing a plea.
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