A repeat offender, Thomas Haynes, 46, was arrested and charged after a hit-and-run crash in Charlotte on March 12 that killed 23-year-old Sophie Klippel, police said. Haynes faces second-degree murder and multiple hit-and-run charges related to the incident.
Crash Details and Victim Information
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department reported deputies discovered an abandoned Honda Odyssey and a Kia Soul at an intersection in east Charlotte. Haynes, the driver of the Honda, allegedly fled the scene after running a stop sign and colliding with the Kia Soul. Sophie Klippel, a passenger in the Kia, was pronounced dead at the scene; she was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. The driver, Lena Klippel, 21, and another passenger, Kelly Klippel, 62, were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police said speed appeared to be a factor in the crash.
Haynes’s Criminal History and Charges
Records show that Haynes has a significant criminal history, including over 20 charges from 2024 to 2026. Earlier arrests include felony possession of cocaine, possession of stolen firearms, and organized theft-related offenses. In February 2026, he faced charges for possession of a firearm by a felon and obtaining property by false pretenses. His record also includes a 2024 assault charge. Following the fatal crash, Haynes was charged with second-degree murder, felony hit-and-run causing injury or death, multiple misdemeanor hit-and-run violations, and reckless driving to endanger.
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