Ruth Dalton: The Heroic Dog Walker Who Gave Her Life Protecting Beloved Pets

The heartbreaking event unfolded on August 22, 2024, in the Madison Valley area of Seattle, leaving a community in mourning and highlighting the dangers that can arise even in seemingly routine situations.

A Life of Service Cut Short

Ruth Dalton was more than just a dog walker; she was a pillar of her community. For 35 years, she had run her business, Grandma's Critter Care, with a passion that went beyond mere pet care. Her granddaughter, Melanie Roberts, described her as a woman with "a fire in her" who "defended those she loved fiercely".

The Fateful Morning

On that fateful Tuesday morning, Dalton was in her Subaru with six dogs - five belonging to clients and one her own. What should have been a routine day turned tragic when 48-year-old Jahmed K. Haynes allegedly jumped into the passenger seat of her car.

A Struggle for Safety

Witnesses reported that Dalton fought back fiercely as Haynes attempted to push her out of the vehicle. Her resistance was not just for herself, but for the dogs in her care. "She wouldn't have cared about the car... her only thought would have been her clients' babies," her granddaughter stated.

Memorial to victim Ruth Dalton has grown in Madison Valley neighborhood https://t.co/WVrdZRGaNF pic.twitter.com/mguoec19pZ

— jseattle (@jseattle) August 22, 2024

Community Response

Bystanders, seeing the struggle, attempted to intervene. One man approached with a bat but retreated when Haynes brandished a knife. In the chaos that followed, Haynes allegedly managed to force Dalton out of the car and drove away, striking her and two parked vehicles in the process.

Tragic Aftermath

Despite immediate CPR efforts by a bystander, Dalton was pronounced dead at the scene. In a heartbreaking twist, her own dog, Prince Eric, was later found stabbed to death in a recycling bin at Brighton Playfield, about five miles from the carjacking site.

A History of Violence: The Suspect Behind the Tragedy

The man accused of this heinous crime, 48-year-old Jahmed K. Haynes, has a long and troubling criminal history that spans over three decades. With eight prior felony convictions, Haynes' record paints a picture of escalating violence and repeated encounters with the justice system.

Haynes' criminal career began in the early 1990s. In 1993, at the age of 17, he was convicted of vehicular homicide after killing a pedestrian in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. Court records show he was driving 50 mph on a sidewalk, resulting in the death of Eric Berge.

Over the years, Haynes accumulated convictions for drug possession, car theft, and robbery. In 2003, while incarcerated at Monroe State Penitentiary, he attacked a corrections officer with a 12-inch shank during a cell inspection, leading to charges of attempted prison escape and custodial assault.

Despite his extensive criminal record, Haynes was not subject to Washington's "Three Strikes" law, which would have resulted in a life sentence without parole. This is because some of his convictions were for lower-level felonies that don't count as "strikes" under state law.

Mental health has also been a factor in Haynes' case. In 2005, a forensic psychologist deemed him a "moderate risk" for future serious dangerous behavior and a "high risk" for committing future criminal acts. He has a documented history of mental health concerns, which has complicated his interactions with the justice system.

Haynes was released from prison in 2017 and completed supervised release in July 2018. The tragic events involving Ruth Dalton occurred just six years after his release, raising questions about the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs and the challenges of reintegrating individuals with extensive criminal histories back into society.

Swift Justice

Thanks to fingerprints left on Dalton's phone, police were able to quickly identify Haynes. A SWAT team arrested him near his residence the following morning. At the time of his arrest, Haynes was found with a bloody knife and the keys to Dalton's vehicle.

A Community Mourns

Deputy Chief Eric Barden of the Seattle Police Department described the incident as "tragic and horrific," noting that Dalton was "well-loved" by her community. Her death has left a void in the hearts of many, from family members to the countless pet owners who entrusted their beloved animals to her care.

Ruth Dalton's story is a poignant reminder of the unexpected dangers that can arise in everyday life and the profound impact one person can have on a community. Her legacy as a caring, vibrant member of society who gave her life protecting those she loved - both human and animal - will not be forgotten.