Remembering Ruth: Celebration of life planned for a beloved Seattle dog walker

SEATTLE, Wash. — A date is set for a celebration of life to remember the life of a beloved Seattle dog walker, Ruth Dalton.

She died on August 20, after Seattle Police say 48-year-old Jahmed Haynes carjacked her in the Madison Valley neighborhood.

Melanie Roberts is inviting everyone from the community to honor her grandmother on October 20.

The event will take place at Victory Hall across from T-Mobile Park from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“Grandma’s story has made the news many times, and has even spread to other parts of the world. Because the community has become so involved, I want to hold a PUBLIC Celebration of Life,” she wrote on Facebook.

“I want to thank EVERYONE for caring about my Grandma, the animals, and the community she loved.”

At the time of the carjacking, Dalton had multiple dogs with her, who managed to escape.

All were reunited with their owners.

Haynes, the man accused of killing Dalton won’t go to trial-- at least for now.

On Thursday, a judge determined Haynes lacked the capacity to understand the proceedings or charges against him.

He will now spend 90 days in a mental health facility.

His next hearing is set for December 5, where they will reevaluate his competency.

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