CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – The woman accused of killing a former Queens University Track and Field athlete in January pleaded guilty this week.
Around 5:50 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 25-year-old Lance Sotelo was hit and killed by a vehicle at the intersection of 36th Street and The Plaza. Officials said the person allegedly ran a red light before hitting Sotelo.
Police said the driver, 28-year-old Q’Laundra Hood, struck Sotelo, failed to stop and drove away southwest on The Plaza.
On Tuesday, Sept. 22, Hood pleaded guilty to felony hit-and-run and misdemeanor death by vehicle. A Mecklenburg County judge sentenced Hood to just 30 days in jail and the she will be placed on probation for three years.
Sotelo was a member of the Men’s Track and Field and Cross Country teams. He was also the student president of the Student Government Association as an undergrad.
He was working on his Master’s degree in business administration from the McColl School of Business. Sotelo was also serving as a graduate assistant in Student Engagement.
According to an affidavit, Hood told police she allegedly saw Sotelo on the side of the road and did not think he was going to cross. Hood allegedly said her light was changing from green to yellow Sotelo ran out in front of her.
The affidavit said Hood admitted to hitting Sotelo and knew that she hit a person. Hood told police that she did not stop because she did not have a driver’s license and was cared, the affidavit said.
Related –> Community mourns loss of former Queens University student-athlete killed in NoDa hit-and-run
Copyright 2026 WBTV. All rights reserved.