Charlotte Man Charged with Second-Degree Murder in Plaza Midwood Hit-and-Run
A 46-year-traditional Charlotte man, Thomas Deon Haynes, has been charged with second-degree murder and multiple other offenses following a fatal hit-and-run collision in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood on March 12, 2026. The incident resulted in the death of 23-year-old Sophie Klippel and injuries to two others.
Details of the Crash
According to a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) affidavit, Haynes was driving a Honda Odyssey when he allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of The Plaza and Hamorton Place. The Honda collided with a Kia Soul, resulting in the death of Klippel, a rear passenger in the Kia. The driver, 21, and another passenger, 62, of the Kia were transported to a local hospital with injuries, but are expected to recover.
Klippel was ejected from the vehicle as she was not wearing a seatbelt, CMPD stated in a news release. CMPD news release
Witnesses identified Haynes as the sole occupant of the Honda, and evidence found inside the vehicle confirmed his identity as the driver, according to the affidavit.
Prior Arrests and Charges
Haynes was arrested on March 23, 2026, and is currently held at the Mecklenburg County Jail without bond. In addition to the second-degree murder charge, he faces charges of felony hit and run resulting in serious injury or death, misdemeanor hit and run leaving the scene of property damage, misdemeanor hit and run failure to stop at property damage, and misdemeanor reckless driving to endanger.
Prior to the March 12th crash, Haynes had a recent history of arrests. On March 2, 2026, a warrant was issued for his arrest on charges of felony breaking and entering and felony larceny after breaking, and entering. He was served with that warrant on March 23, 2026. Earlier in the year, he was charged with fleeing/eluding arrest, breaking and entering, possession of burglary tools, resisting a public officer, and possession of marijuana. All charges except the fleeing/eluding arrest were dismissed on March 6, 2026. In February 2026, Haynes was arrested on weapons and possession of stolen goods charges.
Ongoing Investigation
The CMPD continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. No further details have been released at this time.
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