SEATTLE — The man police say is responsible for a deadly carjacking waived his right to appear as the first hearing happened Thursday afternoon. Defendants have a right to decide whether they will appear for a first appearance hearing.
On Tuesday, the calls for help came from Madison Valley on Tuesday morning when Haynes allegedly took Ruth Dalton's car. Police say there was a struggle.
"He was trying to push her out of the car somehow or another she was part way out of the vehicle," said Seattle Police Department Deputy Chief Eric Barden during a news conference.
Ruth died after being dragged behind her SUV that was carrying her dog, Prince.
Hours later and more than five miles away, Prince was found stabbed to death near Ruth's abandoned vehicle. A fingerprint left behind is what police say helped lead them to Haynes.
On Wednesday, police arrested 48-year-old Jahmed Haynes in Seattle.
"The subject has eight felony convictions and a history of mental health concerns,” said Deputy Chief Barden.
Haynes has been in and out of prison for crimes like robbery and taking a vehicle without permission. In 1993 he was convicted of vehicular homicide.
During Thursday's hearing, the state asked the court to find probable cause for one count of murder in the first degree and one count of animal cruelty in the first degree. The attorney representing Haynes told the judge that there are insufficient facts at this point to allow the court to infer robbery. Ultimately, the judge sided with the state and found probable cause for animal cruelty and murder.
Haynes has not been formally charged. Prosecutors have to file a charging decision by the morning of Aug. 26.
Back in Madison Valley, on the street where it all started, Ruth Dalton is being remembered as a beloved member of the community. For more than 30 years, she ran a dog walking business and knew many of the neighbors.