A Washington state man who once avoided the most serious consequences in a shocking triple-homicide case is now headed to prison for nearly killing a woman after she complained about his work.
Kevin Harper, 43, was sentenced to 32 years behind bars after being convicted of attempted murder, kidnapping, burglary, and robbery, according to the Kirkland Police Department.
The brutal attack happened on March 17, 2019, in the Seattle suburb of Kirkland. Officers were initially dispatched to what was reported as a hit-and-run after a woman was found lying in the road. When police arrived, they quickly realized the truth was far worse.
The woman had not been struck by a car — she had been stabbed multiple times in her upper body and head.
Investigators later determined Harper had previously done plumbing work at the woman’s home. After she complained to his employer about what she described as substandard work, authorities say Harper became enraged. He armed himself with a knife, returned to her home, and confronted her.
Police say Harper robbed the woman, stabbed her repeatedly, and then poured cleaning solution over her body before fleeing, believing she was dead.
But the victim survived.
She eventually regained consciousness, crawled out of her home, and collapsed in the street, where a passing motorist spotted her and called 911. Detectives identified Harper as the suspect and arrested him the following day.
At Harper’s sentencing, the victim’s attorney read a powerful impact statement describing the lasting damage the attack has caused. The woman continues to suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and depression and has undergone multiple surgeries to repair her injuries.
“I am haunted every day by the memory of that night,” she wrote, according to courtroom reporting from KOMO. “By the monster who tried to end my life, by the smell of the cleaning solution, and by the terror of being unable to call for help.”
Harper’s violent history stretches back years. In 2011, he was charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of three people, including a 98-year-old woman. Those charges were later downgraded to weapons and stolen property offenses after prosecutors and investigators mishandled the case, according to the Yakima Herald-Republic.
After his release from prison, Harper moved to the Seattle area — where he carried out the near-fatal attack.
During sentencing, Harper apologized to the victim and blamed his actions on methamphetamine use.
Kirkland Police Chief Mike St. Jean praised the victim’s strength in a statement, saying her courage and determination were key to ensuring her attacker was finally held accountable.
