SEATTLE — Hundreds of people gathered near Seattle's Madison Park Wednesday evening to honor a woman killed in a violent carjacking last month.
Ruth Dalton started her dog walking and dog care business more than 35 years ago. She tragically died Aug. 20 when she was carjacked and run over in Madison Valley.
At the very spot where she lost her life, the community gathered to start walking in her memory. It was fitting that many people brought their dogs to walk along with them. Every footstep and paw on the pavement was in honor of Dalton.
Dalton was described as loyal and loving, and she always shared her faith with everyone she met.
"I can't believe she is gone," said longtime friend Brooke Pigott. "It's devastating."
Pigott met Dalton 23 years ago and describes her as someone you could always count on.
"She really was a part of my family," Pigott said. "She has seen all three of my kids grow up. Huge loss."
City leaders, such as Mayor Bruce Harrell and Seattle Police Department Interim Chief Sue Rahr, attended the memory walk and offered their condolences.
"She is going to bring out the best in us tonight," Harrell said.
"She is going to live on forever," Rahr said.
Dalton's granddaughter, Melanie Roberts, thanked the heroes who tried to save her grandmother's life.
"Her heart was so big and so strong and it couldn't hold any more love that it broke that day," Roberts said.
The call to action tonight was to go out and be like Ruth. Be positive, lead in love and lean on one another.
"I'm going to remember her smile, all the animals and all of those who she came in contact with and I'll hold that close to my heart tonight," Pigott said.
The man suspected in Dalton's death, Jahmed Haynes, is expected in court Thursday morning. He is charged with murder in the first degree, animal cruelty in the first degree, and assault in the second degree.