KIRKLAND, Wash. — A man linked to a high-profile triple homicide case will face more than 30 years behind bars after a brutal assault on a woman who criticized his plumbing skills. Kevin Harper, 43, received a 32-year sentence after being found guilty of a series of felonies, including attempted murder and kidnapping.
The incident occurred on March 17, 2019, when emergency responders were dispatched to a scene in Kirkland following reports of a woman lying in the street. Initial assessments led them to believe it was a hit-and-run. However, upon arrival, they discovered the victim had been viciously stabbed multiple times.
Investigators later determined that Harper had returned to confront the woman after she had expressed dissatisfaction with his work. The situation escalated quickly when Harper forced his way into her home. In a moment of violence, he robbed her, stabbed her repeatedly, and used cleaning chemicals in an effort to destroy evidence before leaving the scene.
Despite the severity of her injuries, the survivor managed to crawl to the road, where a passerby spotted her and promptly called for help. The quick response of law enforcement and medical teams was critical in ensuring her survival. Authorities arrested Harper the following day as a prime suspect in the case.
During sentencing, the woman’s attorney presented a statement detailing the long-lasting impact of the attack. The victim spoke about enduring trauma, including anxiety and depression, as well as requiring multiple surgeries to recover from her physical wounds. The memories of that night, she revealed, continue to impact her daily life.
Although Harper expressed remorse in court, attributing his actions to substance abuse, the judge emphasized the brutal nature of the assault and his previous criminal history when imposing the lengthy sentence. Years before, Harper had faced murder charges for a triple homicide that included the killing of a 98-year-old woman. Those charges were reduced due to procedural errors, leading to a lesser sentence for his past crimes.
Community officials in Kirkland praised the victim’s bravery in coming forward and testifying against Harper, noting that her actions were vital to achieving justice. Police also expressed relief that Harper, who had eluded significant punishment in the past, would no longer be a threat to the community.
Currently, Harper is incarcerated at a state facility, serving the sentence delivered by the court, with the community hopeful that this outcome will restore a sense of safety.