SEATTLE, Wash. — The man accused of carjacking and killing an 80-year-old Seattle dog walker has been found competent to stand trial.
48-year-old Jahmed Haynes appeared in court in a wheelchair Thursday.
He’s spent the last few months at Western State Hospital after his initial competency evaluation determined he was unfit to be tried for the crime at the time.
A new report prepared this week by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) states that Haynes has responded well to treatment and now understands the charges he is facing.
On the morning of August 20, Seattle Police say Haynes carjacked Dalton in the Madison Valley neighborhood.
According to court documents Haynes got into Dalton’s car while she and several dogs were inside. As Haynes was pushing Dalton out, a witness told police they grabbed a bat and tried to help fend him off, but Haynes pulled a knife on them.
With Dalton out of the car, court documents state Haynes backed up hitting two other vehicles. Then as he sped off, the documents state he dragged Dalton along with him. She died at the scene.
Haynes has been charged with Murder in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, and Animal Cruelty in the First Degree. All three charges include a deadly weapon enhancement.
Haynes has an extensive criminal history. According to prosecutors, if he is convicted on either the murder or the assault charge, that would be his third strike and would mean he’d automatically be sentenced to life in prison.
He has pleaded not guilty.
A judge denied bail for Haynes.
A trial is set for January 27.
NOTE: The judge has asked the media not to show Haynes’ face.
©2024 Cox Media Group
