CRIME BLOTTER

Man charged with murdering Seattle dog walker found not competent to stand trial

Apr 24, 2025, 6:00 PM | Updated: 6:38 pm

Image: Seattle dogwalker Ruth Dalton is seen with six of her canine friends....

Seattle dogwalker Ruth Dalton is seen with six of her canine friends. (Photo provided by Dalton's family to "The Jason Rantz Show" on AM 770 KTTH)

(Photo provided by Dalton's family to "The Jason Rantz Show" on AM 770 KTTH)

SEATTLE — The man accused of murdering an 80-year-old dog walker last summer has been found no longer competent to stand trial.

Today, a judge in King County Superior Court decided that 48-year-old Jahmed Haynes will go back to Western State Hospital to undergo another 90-day mental competency restoration.

Haynes is charged with murder, assault, and animal cruelty for the carjacking death of 80-year-old dog walker, Ruth Dalton, on August 20, 2024.

He was found competent to stand trial in late December after his first 90-day stay at Western State.

Haynes is facing life in prison.



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