Little girl, 6, is left to die on street after hit-and-run driver mowed her down in Charlotte suburb, cops say
Six-year-old Mariana Espinoza died after being struck by a car in a hit-and-run in a Charlotte suburb on 23 October. Police say the driver left the scene, and the case has led to an arrest as investigators continue to establish what happened.
Espinoza was hit at about 3.21pm at Barrington Drive and Lanecrest Drive, and died in hospital the following day. Police described the car as a grey 2012–2015 Mercedes-Benz C250 with a sunroof, black rims and heavy damage to its front grille. Lachevis Finnie, 17, was arrested on 26 October on suspicion of driving; court documents say he had no valid licence and fled without contacting police. He is due in court on 27 October, while the school district says it is arranging support for the school community.
In short
- Six-year-old Mariana Espinoza died after a Charlotte-area hit-and-run.
- Police arrested a 17-year-old suspect three days later.
- Investigators are continuing to examine the crash.
Explained simply
A hit-and-run is a road collision in which a driver leaves without stopping to help or report what happened. In North Carolina, police investigate such incidents to identify the vehicle and driver and establish how the collision occurred.
Mariana Espinoza was six and lived in the Charlotte area. Police say she was struck at a residential street junction; the investigation involves identifying the car and examining the driver’s actions. The case also affects her family and school community, where support is being arranged.
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