Man Kills 80-year-old dog walker woman in Seattle


In a deeply tragic event that has shaken the Seattle community, 80-year-old Ruth Dalton, a well-known and beloved dog walker, was killed in a violent carjacking in the city’s Madison Valley neighborhood on August 20, 2024. Dalton was in the midst of her daily routine, caring for the dogs of several local families, when the attack occurred. The incident began when a 48-year-old man, identified as James K. Hayes, approached Dalton as she sat in her parked Subaru.

Witnesses reported that Hayes aggressively entered Dalton's vehicle while she was still inside. As she attempted to defend herself and the dogs under her care, Hayes forced her out of the car. In the ensuing struggle, Dalton was pushed to the ground. Despite her efforts to protect the dogs, Hayes backed the car over Dalton, causing fatal injuries. Witnesses attempted to intervene; one even tried to confront Hayes with a bat or stick. However, Hayes managed to drive off, hitting several parked cars as he fled the scene.

Ruth Dalton was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders, and the news of her death quickly spread through the close-knit neighborhood, leaving residents devastated. Dalton, who was often seen walking dogs in the area, was well-known for her kindness and dedication to the animals she cared for. Her death is a profound loss for her family, friends, and the many people in the community who knew and admired her.

The Seattle Police Department responded swiftly to the carjacking, launching a citywide manhunt for Hayes. Later that day, officers received a report of a man harming a dog in a park about five miles from the site of the carjacking. When they arrived, they found Dalton's vehicle nearby and were able to retrieve fingerprints from her cellphone, which had been left in the car. This led to the identification of Hayes as the suspect. He was apprehended near his residence by a SWAT team, still in possession of a knife stained with blood and the keys to Dalton's car.

Hayes' criminal background has since come under scrutiny. He has a lengthy history of legal troubles, including eight prior felony convictions, one of which was for vehicular homicide in 1993. This history has sparked significant concern and anger within the community, as many question how an individual with such a record was free to commit another violent crime. Seattle Police Deputy Chief Eric Barden described the incident as a senseless act of violence that has robbed the community of a vibrant and caring member.

The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is expected to file formal charges against Hayes once the police investigation is completed. The case has reignited discussions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system, particularly regarding the monitoring and rehabilitation of repeat offenders. There are growing calls for reforms that could prevent such individuals from posing a threat to public safety.

Ruth Dalton’s tragic death is a stark reminder of the potential for violence in everyday life and the vulnerabilities that even the most routine activities can hold. As Seattle mourns the loss of a cherished member of its community, there is a collective resolve to seek justice for Dalton and to ensure that her death leads to meaningful change in how the city addresses crime and public safety. The community continues to remember Ruth Dalton not just as a victim of a heinous crime, but as a symbol of the kindness and dedication that she brought to her daily work, and the love she had for the dogs she cared for so deeply.