Driver Charged in Deadly Hit-and-Run of Virginia Living Magazine Editor

Latesha Coleman, 41, accused of fleeing scene after striking 23-year-old Hope Cartwright in Richmond crosswalk

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A 41-year-old Richmond woman has been charged with a felony hit-and-run after police say she struck and killed 23-year-old Virginia Living magazine editor Hope Cartwright as she was crossing a street in the city. Authorities say Latesha Coleman fled the scene but was tracked down within an hour based on traffic camera footage and license plate reader data.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers pedestrians face on city streets, even when using designated crosswalks. It also raises questions about hit-and-run laws and enforcement, as well as the role that surveillance technology can play in quickly identifying and apprehending suspected drivers involved in fatal collisions.

The details

According to police, on the evening of February 16, officers responded to the scene where they found Cartwright 'down and unresponsive' in the middle of the road after being struck. She was taken to a hospital but later died from her injuries. Authorities were able to identify Coleman as the driver based on traffic camera footage and license plate reader data, and located her parked car within an hour of the incident.

  • On February 16, 2026, Cartwright was struck and killed while crossing a street in Richmond.
  • Later that same evening, police responded to the scene and found Cartwright unresponsive.

The players

Latesha Coleman

A 41-year-old Richmond resident who has been charged with a felony hit-and-run in connection with Cartwright's death.

Hope Cartwright

A 23-year-old associate editor at Virginia Living magazine who was killed in the collision.

Richmond Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the fatal incident and made the arrest.

Rick Edwards

The Richmond Police Department chief who credited 'good police work' and technology for the rapid arrest.

Madeline Mayhood

The editor-in-chief of Virginia Living magazine, who expressed devastation over Cartwright's death.

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What they’re saying

“We are devastated.”

— Madeline Mayhood, Editor-in-chief, Virginia Living magazine (WRIC-TV)

“Her death, at 23, is unfathomable. We're all still in disbelief and shock.”

— Madeline Mayhood, Editor-in-chief, Virginia Living magazine (WRIC-TV)

“I think [Cartwright] was hit from the back, and she got dragged a little bit, and then the car completely ran her over.”

— Ari Abad, Local resident (WRIC-TV)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Latesha Coleman to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for improved pedestrian safety measures, stricter enforcement of hit-and-run laws, and a deeper examination of the role that surveillance technology can play in holding reckless drivers accountable.