World · North America · 3 hrs ago
Six-year-old girl dies after Charlotte hit-and-run; teenager arrested
Six-year-old Mariana Espinoza died after a hit-and-run in Charlotte, North Carolina.
She was struck near the Oak Forest neighborhood on October 23 and died in hospital the next day.
Police arrested 17-year-old Lachevis Finnie on October 26 on suspicion of driving the car.
Court documents say he did not have a valid driver's licence and left without contacting law enforcement.
Police say the car was a grey Mercedes-Benz with heavy damage to its front grille, and are investigating the crash.
Finnie is scheduled to appear in court on October 27, while the police investigation continues.
Espinoza attended Devonshire Elementary School, whose district says it is arranging support for students, families and staff.
Six-year-old Mariana Espinoza died after a hit-and-run in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Police said she was struck near the Oak Forest neighborhood at about 3:21 p.m. on October 23.
She died in hospital the next day.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police arrested 17-year-old Lachevis Finnie on October 26 on suspicion of being the driver.
Court documents say Finnie did not have a valid driver’s license and left the scene without contacting law enforcement.
- Who
- Mariana Espinoza, 6, was killed. Police arrested Lachevis Finnie, 17, on suspicion of being the driver.
- What
- A car struck Espinoza in a hit-and-run.
- When
- The collision happened on October 23, 2026, at about 3:21 p.m. Espinoza died on October 24.
- Where
- Barrington Drive and Lanecrest Drive, near Charlotte’s Oak Forest neighborhood in North Carolina.
- Why
- The cause of the collision is not stated.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Espinoza was struck by a car at about 3:21 p.m. at Barrington Drive and Lanecrest Drive.
Espinoza died in hospital.
Police arrested 17-year-old Lachevis Finnie on suspicion of being the driver.
Finnie was scheduled to appear in court.
- Victim
- Mariana Espinoza, 6
- Collision location
- Barrington Drive and Lanecrest Drive, Charlotte
- Collision time
- About 3:21 p.m. on October 23, 2026
- Suspect
- Lachevis Finnie, 17
- Vehicle description
- Grey 2012–2015 Mercedes-Benz C250 with a sunroof and heavy front-grille damage
What people are saying
The vehicle, last seen heading north on Barrington Drive from the scene, is described as a grey 2012-2015 Mercedes Benz C250 with a sunroof and heavy damage to the front grille
We know this loss will be deeply felt throughout our school community. We are working closely with school leadership to ensure students, families, and staff have the care and support they need in the days ahead.
Rest in peace, little Mariana. Your six years of life will live forever in the hearts of those who love you,