Driver released from prison after girl’s death in 2022 Raleigh Christmas Parade crash, records show

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The man who was behind the wheel of a truck that struck and killed an 11-year-old girl during the 2022 Raleigh Christmas Parade has been released from prison after completing the active portion of his sentence.

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North Carolina Department of Adult Correction records show 23-year-old Landen Glass was released Thursday. His inmate status is now listed as inactive, while his probation, parole or post-release supervision status remains active.

Glass pleaded guilty in November 2025 to obstruction of justice, death by motor vehicle and having a dangerous weapon at a parade in connection with the death of Hailey Brooks. Three days later, Wake County Judge Paul Ridgeway sentenced Glass to a total of 262 days of confinement.

Glass received two consecutive active misdemeanor sentences — 75 days for death by motor vehicle and 45 days for carrying a dangerous weapon at a parade.

For the felony obstruction of justice charge, Glass received a minimum sentence of eight months and a maximum of 19 months, which was suspended for 36 months of supervised probation. As a special condition of his probation, Glass was ordered to serve a split active sentence of 142 days after completing the two misdemeanor sentences.

Glass was also ordered to complete 400 hours of community service at a nonprofit organization in North Carolina.

Prison records show Glass’ 142-day split sentence for obstruction of justice began March 17. He was admitted into state prison custody on April 13 and released on Aug. 6, which was also his projected release date.

Although Glass has completed his active incarceration, his sentence is not over. State records show he remains under active supervision, with a total supervision term of 36 months.

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Glass was driving a truck pulling a float during the Raleigh Christmas Parade on Nov. 19, 2022, when the vehicle lost control and struck Brooks, who was performing with her dance group. The 11-year-old died after the crash.

Witnesses told CBS 17 at the time that they heard the truck honking its horn as people were told to get out of the way. A CBS 17 photojournalist at the parade reported hearing Glass yell that he could not stop because something was wrong with the truck’s brakes.

Police said the truck’s brakes failed, while court documents and subsequent civil litigation revealed additional details about the vehicle’s history and its brake fluid reservoir.

Brooks’ estate filed a civil lawsuit in April 2023 over her death. Glass, CC & Co. Dance Complex and D and L Floats were later dropped as defendants.

An amended complaint filed in October 2024 added the City of Raleigh and city employees Whitney Schoenfeld and Kirk Archer II as defendants, joining the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association, which does business as Shop Local Raleigh.

The lawsuit accused the remaining defendants of failing to take adequate safety precautions for the parade, including conducting a hazard analysis, inspecting vehicles and establishing adequate policies for drivers and the safe use of floats.

As of May 2026, the litigation remained ongoing, with Schoenfeld and Archer seeking to be dismissed from the lawsuit.

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