KIRKLAND, Wash. — A man has been sentenced to over 32 years in prison for a violent attack that left a woman critically injured in her own home nearly four years ago. Kevin Harper, 36, received the sentence on January 9 after being convicted of attempted murder, kidnapping, burglary, and robbery related to the brutal incident on March 17, 2019.
Law enforcement initially responded to reports of a potential hit-and-run in a neighborhood not far from the victim’s residence. Upon arrival, officers discovered a woman in the street with serious injuries. Initial assessments led investigators to suspect she had been struck by a vehicle. However, it was soon revealed that she had been repeatedly stabbed in the head and upper body inside her home before being left for dead.
Despite her dire condition, the woman managed to regain consciousness and crawl out of her house. She collapsed in the street, where a passerby found her and alerted authorities. Neighbors later identified her as a long-time resident of Kirkland and an employee at Microsoft. They noted that several men had been working on the house in the weeks leading up to the attack, raising questions about potential connections.
Detectives connected Harper to the case, revealing that he had previously done plumbing work at the victim’s home. Reports indicated the victim had expressed concerns about his work quality to his employer shortly before the assault. On the night of the incident, Harper confronted her again, leading to a violent struggle that culminated in the robbery and attack.
Authorities arrested Harper less than a day later, charging him with several serious offenses. His criminal history raised further alarm, as he had previously faced murder charges related to the 2011 deaths of the Goggin family in Eastern Washington, though those charges were reduced due to procedural issues in that case. He had been released from prison in July 2017 after serving time for lesser offenses.
Following his sentencing, Kirkland Police Chief Mike St. Jean praised the victim’s courage and resilience. “This case underscores the incredible determination of the victim, whose bravery played a crucial role in achieving justice,” he stated. St. Jean emphasized the department’s commitment to holding violent offenders accountable, reflecting their ongoing focus on community safety and victim advocacy.
Harper’s lengthy prison sentence serves as a reminder of the impact of violent crime, while the victim’s remarkable survival speaks volumes about her strength in the face of adversity.