Suspect arrested after car theft and murder in Seattle

SEATTLE – Seattle police announced that a suspect is in custody in connection with a car theft that left an 80-year-old woman dead in the Madison Valley neighborhood on Tuesday.

The Seattle Police Department held a press conference at 4 p.m. on Tuesday's car theft and murder.

The suspect, 48-year-old Jahmed Kamal Haynes, is charged with first-degree murder and first-degree animal cruelty.

Haynes was arrested by the SWAT team near his Seattle home on Wednesday morning. Seattle police said he was carrying a bloody knife and the keys to the carjacking victim's SUV.

Police identified Haynes as a suspect after examining a fingerprint on the victim's phone, which was found in the abandoned stolen vehicle.

Haynes is accused of killing 80-year-old Ruth Dalton by getting into the passenger seat, pushing her out of her car and running her over.

Dalton was walking neighbors' dogs before she was killed. Some say she likely died trying to save the pets in her care.

Witnesses reported that a man tried to stop the suspect with a baseball bat and smashed the windows of the stolen SUV to rescue the dogs in the car.

According to Seattle police, Haynes pulled out a knife when passersby tried to prevent the car theft.

According to SPD, Haynes also stabbed Dalton's dog multiple times and dumped the body at Brighton Playfield. Dalton's stolen car was found nearby.

Police say Haynes has committed eight previous crimes and has suffered from mental health issues in the past. He is currently in prison and will soon make his first court appearance.

Seattle Police thanked witnesses to the incident for their assistance and providing important information to detectives.

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.

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