Tips pour in to police in woman's stabbing

Seattle police have received dozens of tips after releasing a sketch of a man seen leaving the scene of Monday's slaying of a Capitol Hill woman.

Dozens of people have contacted the department to report possible information about the man in the sketch, whom police describe as a "person of interest," said police Sgt. Deanna Nollette.

Neighbors of victim Shannon Harps told police they saw a bearded man in a stocking cap running from the woman's condominium building in the 1700 block of 15th Avenue as her body was discovered shortly after 7 p.m.

Police won't call the man in the sketch a suspect.

Nollette said Thursday that investigators are still talking with friends, relatives and co-workers of Harps as part of the investigation.

"We have not ruled out any suspects at this point or identified a suspect at this point," Nollette said. She said police have not yet determined whether Harps was targeted or if her slaying was random.

Harps, 31, was walking home from the grocery store when she was attacked, police said. Fellow residents called 911 after hearing screaming and yelling, police said.

Harps, a Sierra Club volunteer organizer, was found lying in the planting strip on the north side of the building with stab wounds to her abdomen and chest, according to police. She was pronounced dead that night at Harborview Medical Center.

Officers produced a sketch based on witness reports and request that if people recognize the man in the sketch, they call 911 but not approach him.

The department has increased patrols in the Capitol Hill neighborhood as a way to increase safety and find potential witnesses.

Assistant Chief Nick Metz has cautioned people living in the area to be more aware of their surroundings and use "the buddy system" while walking around.

Jennifer Sullivan: 206-464-8294 or jensullivan@seattletimes.com