Repeat offender with 20+ prior charges allegedly kills 23-year-old in hit-and-run, then walks away
Share this @internewscast.com

A tragic incident in Charlotte has left a 23-year-old woman dead after a hit-and-run crash, allegedly involving a repeat offender, according to local police.

Thomas Haynes, aged 46, was taken into custody on Monday. He faces multiple charges, including second-degree murder, felony hit-and-run resulting in serious injury or death, and several misdemeanors related to leaving the scene and reckless driving.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department reported that deputies responded to a scene involving an abandoned Honda Odyssey and a Kia Soul at an intersection in east Charlotte on Thursday, March 12.

Haynes, who was driving the Honda, is accused of walking away from the crash site without rendering aid or reporting the incident.

Thomas Haynes

The victim, identified as 23-year-old Sophie Klippel, tragically lost her life in the incident, as stated by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

In addition, authorities confirmed that Lena Klippel, aged 21, and Kelly Klippel, aged 62, who were in the Kia, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.

A second passenger, Sophie Klippel, 23, was pronounced deceased on the scene.

A skyline photo of Charlotte, North Carolina

Thomas Haynes was charged in a deadly crash in Charlotte. (iStock)

Police said that a preliminary investigation found that Haynes ran a stop sign and collided with the Kia Soul.

Sophie Klippel was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said that “speed appears to be a factor” in the crash.

Thomas Haynes

A Charlotte-Mecklenburg man with a history of repeat theft and weapons offenses is now facing a new set of felony charges, including a hit-and-run involving serious injury or death, according to jail records. (Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department)

Before the crash, Haynes had a slew of other arrests from 2024 through 2025, according to records reviewed by Fox News Digital.

Earlier charges in February 2026 included possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of a stolen firearm, felony possession of cocaine, and obtaining property by false pretenses.

A January 2026 arrest shows more than 20 charges largely tied to organized theft activity, including multiple counts of felony larceny, conspiracy, possession of burglary tools, and fleeing to elude arrest.

His record also includes a 2024 charge of assault on a female.

<!–>

–>

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Murder suspect on ICE hold accused of luring teen into death trap where victim’s final plea went unheard

Chilling Plot: ICE-Held Murder Suspect Accused of Luring Teen into Fatal Ambush Ignored by All

Authorities have detained an 18-year-old murder suspect with an immigration hold, following…
California ranked among 'worst' states for young adults still living at home

California Struggles: Ranks Among Worst States for Young Adults Living with Parents

Young adults in California are finding it increasingly challenging to move out…
US, Israeli airstrikes batter Iran as Trump's Strait of Hormuz deadline looms

US-Israeli Airstrikes Intensify as Trump’s Ultimatum on Strait of Hormuz Nears

A series of coordinated strikes by Israel and the United States on…
Death threats force Nick Shirley to hire security: 'They killed Charlie Kirk'

Nick Shirley Bolsters Security After Alarming Death Threats: The Chilling Connection to Charlie Kirk

In late March, YouTuber and independent journalist Nick Shirley disclosed that he…
Thug accused of killing 7-month-old girl in stroller confessed he was aiming gun at her dad: court docs

Court Documents Reveal Suspect Confessed to Targeting Father in Fatal Shooting of 7-Month-Old in Stroller

A man accused of fatally shooting a 7-month-old girl in Brooklyn admitted…
Exclusive | Gavin Newsom’s nemesis demands strict new test for homeless — as LA burns $300M on doomed program

California Showdown: Newsom’s Challenger Calls for Rigorous Homeless Policy Amid LA’s $300M Controversy

An expert has emphasized that California should focus on recovery efforts before…
Woman gives birth midflight as air traffic controller suggests fitting name for baby

Miracle in the Sky: Woman Delivers Baby Midflight with Air Traffic Controller’s Perfect Name Suggestion

Creating a memorable moment in the skies, a woman delivered her baby…
81-year-old Dodgers superfan can't access digital tickets

81-Year-Old Dodgers Enthusiast Faces Challenges with Digital Ticket Access

The Los Angeles Dodgers appear to be taking a hard stance against…
Knife-wielding lunatic shot by NYPD cop after terrorizing Harlem grocery store

NYPD Officer Stops Knife Incident in Harlem Grocery Store

In a dramatic overnight incident at a grocery store in New York…
Wisconsin election tomorrow: Voters to choose new Wisconsin Supreme Court justice on 2026 Election Day

Critical Decision Looms: Wisconsin Voters to Elect New Supreme Court Justice in 2026 Election

WASHINGTON — Wisconsin residents are gearing up to cast their votes in…
Artemis II breaks Apollo 13's distance record as humans travel farther from Earth than ever before | WATCH LIVE

Artemis II Sets New Milestone, Surpassing Apollo 13’s Distance Record in Historic Human Spaceflight | Watch Live

The Artemis II crew made history on Monday as they journeyed farther…
Easter egg hunt tragedy leaves young mother, her baby and teenager dead

Tragic Incident at Easter Egg Hunt Claims Lives of Young Mother, Infant, and Teenager

A tragic incident unfolded in Germany over the Easter weekend, as strong…