SEATTLE — Victory Hall in Seattle's SODO neighborhood served as a gathering spot Sunday for those who knew and loved Ruth Dalton, a beloved Seattle dog walker who was carjacked and killed in August.
"We all were really blessed by her, me probably more than anyone else in the world," said Melanie Roberts, Dalton's granddaughter.
Roberts met with countless people who had special memories with Dalton: a long-time neighbor who credited her with inspiring her granddaughter to become a veterinarian; a friend who met up with Dalton on weekly Wednesday walks; several people who shared how much they loved having Dalton care for their four-legged family members.
"Being able to see my grandmother from the eyes of someone else, it has been great," Roberts said. "I love the imprint she left and how many people she influenced."
The 80-year-old started Grandma's Critter Care more than 30 years ago. Roberts said despite her grandma being an octogenarian, they expected her to be around for several more years. Dalton's mom and grandmother lived to be 99 and 94.
Dalton's death in August
According to court records, Dalton was carjacked and run over in Seattle's Madison Valley neighborhood on Aug. 20. Neighborhood cameras caught the moments leading up to, during, and after the deadly encounter. Roberts said her grandmother was pulled over, more than likely sending daily devotional texts to friends and family when the carjacker jumped into her SUV.
"She'd never text and drive especially when she was caring for animals," Roberts said
Jahmed Haynes, an eight-time convicted felon, is the man accused of killing Dalton along with her dog, Prince, who was found stabbed to death. Haynes was charged with murder, animal cruelty and assault. Earlier this month, he was found not competent to stand trial. He was sent to Western Washington Hospital and be re-evaluated in December.