Jahmed Haynes, an eight-time Seattle felon, allegedly carjacked and killed an 80-year-old dog walker, Ruth Dalton, in broad daylight on Tuesday before fatally stabbing her dog. The incident occurred in the Madison Valley neighborhood of Seattle, where Haynes dragged Dalton out of her car in a struggle and then ran her over, leaving her to die. Witnesses attempted CPR while Haynes fled the scene in Dalton’s car. Dalton was a beloved member of the community, known for her caring nature and dedication to her clients’ pets. Haynes was later arrested for the crimes, including homicide and animal cruelty charges.
After the carjacking and murder, Haynes was reported to be seen hurting a dog at a park in the Hillman City neighborhood in Seattle. An animal control officer responded to the scene and found a dog stabbed to death, later identified as Dalton’s dog named Prince. Police were able to connect Haynes to both crime scenes through evidence found on Dalton’s phone and eventually arrested him near his residence using a SWAT team. They recovered a bloody knife and the keys to the stolen vehicle, which led to his booking into King County Correctional Facility.
According to Seattle police, Haynes has a history of mental health concerns and a criminal record dating back to the 1990s. His previous convictions include vehicular homicide, hit and run, drug charges, and robbery. Despite his criminal history, Haynes had not been arrested since 2005 until this recent incident. He is expected to face charges for Murder in the 1st Degree under the felony murder rule, as well as Animal Cruelty in the 1st Degree. These charges stem from the carjacking, murder of Dalton, and the killing of her dog.
The community was shocked and saddened by Dalton’s tragic death, remembering her as a kind and loving neighbor. Friends and family expressed their grief and shared memories of Dalton, emphasizing her selfless and caring nature towards animals and people alike. The senseless violence that took her life and her dog’s life has left many in the neighborhood mourning her loss and reflecting on the impact she had on those around her. The swift arrest of Haynes following the incident provided some relief to the community, knowing that justice would be sought for the crimes committed.
The Seattle Police Department gave updates on the investigation, detailing the events leading to Haynes’ arrest and the evidence linking him to the crimes. They highlighted the collaborative effort of law enforcement, witnesses, and community members in responding to the violent attack and assisting with the investigation. Additional information revealed Haynes’ criminal past and mental health issues, shedding light on potential factors that may have contributed to his actions. The case remained ongoing as authorities awaited formal charges to be filed against Haynes, ensuring that justice would be served for the victims and their families.
In the aftermath of the shocking carjacking and murder, the community came together to mourn the loss of Ruth Dalton and her beloved dog. Tributes poured in for Dalton, with friends and family sharing stories of her kindness and dedication to her neighbors and their pets. The tragic incident served as a reminder of the importance of community support and compassion during times of crisis. As the investigation into Haynes’ actions continued, the community rallied behind Dalton’s family to ensure that her memory would be honored and that justice would be pursued for the senseless violence that took her life.
