SEATTLE, Wash. – A judge has found Jahmed Haynes, the man accused of murdering beloved 80-year-old dog walker Ruth Dalton in Madison Valley last August, competent to stand trial. The court’s decision came after months of debate surrounding his mental health and whether he could adequately face the charges against him.

Dalton’s family expressed relief at the court’s ruling, with her granddaughter Melanie Roberts stating, “I’m really relieved that finally through the smoke, the truth was seen, and that he is competent.”

According to court documents, Haynes allegedly carjacked Dalton while she was walking dogs in the neighborhood. He is accused of dragging her with her own car before running her over. Haynes is also charged with animal cruelty for the violent killing of Dalton’s dog, Chico.

Prosecutors presented a Department of Social and Health Services report dated December 24, 2024, which deemed Haynes competent.  

“We have a DSHS report which opines he is competent to proceed, so we’re asking your honor to find him competent today,” argued Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Alexandra Logan.

Judge David Keenan ruled Haynes competent as he was present in court in a wheelchair, handcuffed and shackled. However, FOX 13 and other news outlets were not allowed to film his face, as his defense argued the chance to a fair trial, and potential contamination of the jury should his likeness be recorded.

“I do find that identity is an issue in this case,” Keenan said. 

No Bail Hold: Extensive Criminal History

Thursday’s competency hearing was just the beginning, as the defense pleaded not guilty and requested Haynes’ bail be set at $50,000. The initial case was set for a ‘no bail’ hold.

Prosecutors argued Haynes’ criminal record includes six felony convictions dating back to 1983, including vehicular homicide and robbery in 1999. Prosecutors also detailed incidents where Haynes assaulted corrections officers at Monroe State Penitentiary in 2005 while serving a prison sentence, it resulted in a 108-month consecutive sentence. These convictions and charges would make this Haynes’ third strike under Washington state’s persistent offender statute, potentially resulting in a life sentence if convicted.

Deputy Prosecutor Brent Kling argued against reducing bail, saying, “His behavior in this case, coupled with his history, coupled with the charges that he is facing now, demonstrate that he is capable of committing incredible acts of violence and that he has a propensity for violence that unquestionably shows that he is a danger to the community.”

“I’m denying bail in this matter given the incredibly violent allegations here, they’re very serious along with the defendant’s previous convictions,” Keenan said.

Family’s Plea for Justice

Melanie Roberts delivered an emotional plea to the court, urging the judge to maintain the no-bail hold. 

“I plead with the court to not allow him to prey on us acting victims in the real world. Please continue no-bail hold so my family and our community can rest easier and keep what little peace we have felt in the past four months,” Roberts said.

A small victory for Dalton’s loved ones.

“I’m confident he will be found to be guilty eventually,” Roberts said. “He doesn’t deserve to be on the street. We don’t deserve for him to be on the street to be a menace to the rest of us.  He’s not going to be a danger to anyone else’s grandmother or mother, brother, sister, dog, everybody’s safe from him, and it’s huge victory for me and my family and our community and everybody.”

Reflecting on the pain her family has endured, Roberts shared a poignant memory of her grandmother, recounting a recent moment where she saw a double rainbow and felt her grandmother’s presence. 

“This is our rain right now. And my rainbow might not be as bright as it used to be, but we’ll still get our rainbow,” Roberts said.

The court’s ruling marks the first significant step toward justice for Dalton’s family.

Dalton’s family vowed to attend every hearing to honor her memory. “If he’s here, I’m here,” Roberts said. “I look forward to justice being all the way served in this matter.”

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