Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident in Richmond

A Virginia editor lost her life in a hit-and-run accident on Monday night in Richmond, which authorities believe involved a suspect with an extensive criminal background.

Hope Cartwright, 23, who worked as an associate editor at Virginia Living magazine, was crossing the street when a driver made a left turn, striking her and then fleeing the scene. Local reports indicate that Latesha Coleman, the driver charged with felony hit-and-run, has a long history of not appearing in court, with prior convictions for drug sales, possession, and petty theft dating back to 2002.

Law enforcement managed to locate Coleman at her residence using surveillance footage from Flock cameras. Reports indicate that when questioned, investigators detected the smell of alcohol on her. Furthermore, it was revealed that Coleman was driving with a suspended license.

After appearing in court on Wednesday, Judge Victoria Pearson denied Coleman bail, citing her criminal history as a critical factor in the decision.

According to a report from local media, video evidence shows Cartwright appearing to cross the street legally while the light was green, checking both directions. Surveillance footage acquired by authorities depicted Cartwright wearing a white hat clearly visible in daylight. Prosecutors mentioned that Coleman briefly slowed down after hitting Cartwright before leaving the scene.

In response, Coleman’s defense attorney suggested that perhaps the suspect hit a curb or median; however, prosecutors argued that there was nothing of that sort in the vicinity.

Virginia Living has dedicated its March and April editions to honoring Cartwright. Her editor-in-chief, Madeline Mayhood, described her as an “extraordinary talent,” emphasizing that everything she created was of high quality.

“Honestly, we’re still processing this loss and not entirely focused,” Mayhood shared. “It’s day by day as we try to cope.”