Local
Charlotte teen held on $2.5 million bond in fatal hit-and-run involving 6-year-old
A 17-year-old accused of striking and fleeing from 6-year-old Mariana Espinoza was ordered held on $2.5 million bond after a court appearance Tuesday. An affidavit says he admitted hitting the child and left because he was scared; he is charged with felony hit-and-run causing serious injury or death.
A Mecklenburg County judge set bond at $2.5 million Tuesday for a 17-year-old accused of fleeing after hitting 6-year-old Mariana Espinoza in east Charlotte. The teen, Lachevis Finnie, also was ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation and was appointed a public defender, according to court records.
The collision happened shortly before 3:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, on Barrington Drive near Milton Road. Espinoza was taken to a hospital and died the next day.
An affidavit says Finnie admitted striking the child and told investigators he drove away because he was scared. It alleges he did not stop or call 911. The affidavit also says he has cooperated with the investigation. Other court documents allege he did not have a valid driver’s license.
Finnie was arrested Monday and charged with felony hit-and-run causing serious injury or death. He was being held in the Mecklenburg County jail, court records showed Tuesday. The allegations have not been proven in court.
Espinoza’s family said she had just gotten off a school bus when she was hit. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools confirmed she attended Devonshire Elementary and said her death would be deeply felt by the school community.
Neighbors created a memorial of flowers and balloons near the crash site. One neighbor, speaking through a translator, said residents witnessed what happened and hoped for justice for Espinoza. In a statement, the school district offered condolences to her family, friends and classmates.