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
Near United Center, Chicago shooting today kills 67-year-old man by West Madison and South Leavitt streets; CPD questioning 2

Tragic Shooting Near United Center: 67-Year-Old Man Killed on West Madison as CPD Investigates

CHICAGO – In a shocking incident near the United Center, a 67-year-old…
St. John, Indiana woman Jenna Strouble charged with murder after Jacob Q. Lambert, Stacy, Patrick Forde found dead in Crete Twp.

St. John Resident Jenna Strouble Faces Murder Charges Following Discovery of Three Deceased Individuals in Crete Township

In Crete Township, Illinois, authorities have charged a 30-year-old woman from Indiana…
NASA's Artemis program is getting a makeover. Here's a look at some of the new changes.

Countdown to Artemis II: NASA Sets Launch Date for Historic Lunar Mission

Initially slated for a February launch, the highly anticipated moon rocket has…
Quadruple amputee, professional cornhole player charged with murder after alleged roadside killing

Shocking Turn: Quadruple Amputee Cornhole Champion Faces Murder Charges After Roadside Incident

In a tragic turn of events, a professional cornhole player, who is…
NTSB flags ‘conflicting information’ in LaGuardia tower, unclear who handled ground-control duties

Confusion in Control: NTSB Uncovers Critical Communication Breakdown at LaGuardia Tower

Federal investigators have revealed that they are facing challenges due to “conflicting…
'Never seen anything like this before'

Unprecedented Event Leaves Spectators in Awe

VERIA, Greece — Each spring, the vast plains of Greece’s premier peach-growing…
Gulf states inching closer to joining Iran war after attacks on bases, energy facilities: report

Escalating Tensions: Gulf States Poised to Enter Iran Conflict Amid Recent Attacks on Key Facilities

US allies in the Persian Gulf are adjusting their strategies amidst escalating…
Fur suits and strange masks: How handlers are helping orphaned bear cubs after Monrovia attack

Unmasking Compassion: How Innovative Handlers are Rehabilitating Orphaned Bear Cubs in Monrovia

In an unexpected twist of nature’s resilience, two orphaned black bear cubs…
White House Official: Reports of Iranians Wanting Vance to Lead Negotiations Are Part of a 'Foreign Propaganda Campaign'

White House Denounces Claims of Iranian Support for Vance in Negotiations as ‘Foreign Propaganda Campaign

In response to recent media claims, the White House has dismissed reports…
Plus-size retailer Torrid closing 151 locations across US

Torrid Announces Closure of 151 Stores Nationwide Amid Strategic Restructuring

Torrid, a prominent women’s clothing brand based in California, has had to…
Eunisses Hernandez wants to control LAPD's budget

Eunisses Hernandez’s Bold Vision: Redefining LAPD’s Budget for a Safer Los Angeles

Eunisses Hernandez, a prominent Los Angeles lawmaker known for advocating a reduction…
Fetterman slams Democratic 'mess' as TSA workers miss paychecks during DHS shutdown

Fetterman Criticizes Democratic ‘Disarray’ Amid TSA Workers’ Pay Crisis During DHS Shutdown

Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, a Democrat known for occasionally diverging from…