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Charlotte, North Carolina — October 27, 2026 — According to WCNC, a 17-year-old faces a felony charge following a hit-and-run collision that claimed the life of 6-year-old Mariana Espinoza.
The collision occurred near the intersection of Barrington and Lanecrest drives, close to the Sharon Pines apartment complex. According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), Mariana was crossing the street when she was struck by a vehicle whose driver continued north on Barrington Drive without stopping.
Emergency responders transported Mariana to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. She died the following day.
Teen Arrested, Bond Increased to $2.5 Million
CMPD arrested 17-year-old Lachevis Finnie and charged him with felony hit-and-run resulting in death.
During a court appearance, a judge initially set Finnie’s bond at $100,000. After Mariana’s mother addressed the court and shared a photograph of her daughter, the judge increased the amount to $2.5 million. A mental health evaluation was also ordered after Finnie’s mother raised concerns about his emotional condition.
Court records cited allegations that Finnie drove without a license, failed to remain at the scene, and did not contact authorities after the collision.
Witnesses Describe Devastating Aftermath
Residents near the intersection reported seeing bystanders rush to Mariana’s aid as emergency personnel attempted lifesaving measures. Doorbell cameras in the neighborhood reportedly captured footage of a vehicle traveling through the area and the immediate response after the collision.
The tragedy has heightened concerns about pedestrian safety in a neighborhood where children regularly walk to and from school buses.
School Community Mourns Mariana’s Death
Mariana attended Devonshire Elementary School. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools issued a statement expressing condolences to her family, classmates, and teachers.
District officials confirmed that the collision occurred off school property and said they were coordinating with school administrators to provide emotional support to those affected.
As the investigation continues, Mariana’s death has left an East Charlotte neighborhood mourning a young life lost and questioning how a driver could leave an injured child behind.
At Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, our experienced Charlotte personal injury attorneys are committed to helping crash victims and their families navigate the legal process.
Your Injury, Our Fight. How can we help you take a stand? Call 704-377-3737 or contact us online.
Notes: Our team created this post using secondary sources and has not independently verified all the facts surrounding the accident.
If you find any incorrect details, please contact Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt so we can update the post with the most accurate information. This post will be removed if requested.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice and is not a solicitation for business.
The photograph used in this post is not representative of this accident. If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately, then speak to a North Carolina personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
