17-Year-Old Arrested Three Days After Hitting and Killing Six-Year-Old Girl

Mariana Espinoza was six years old when a car struck her on Barrington Drive and Lanecrest Drive in Charlotte, North Carolina. It happened around 3:21 pm on October 23 near the Oak Forest neighborhood, roughly eight miles east of Uptown. She died at the hospital the following day, October 24. The driver did not stop.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department released a detailed description of the vehicle involved. They identified it as a grey 2012-2015 Mercedes Benz C250 with a sunroof. The front grille sustained heavy damage. At the time of the crash, the car featured black rims and a black or matte gas cap cover door. It was running on a temporary license plate. Police noted the vehicle was last seen heading north on Barrington Drive.

The department turned to the public for help identifying the driver through a Facebook post. That call for information led to an arrest just three days later. Court documents show Lachevis Finnie, 17, was detained on October 26. He is suspected to be the driver. Finnie lacked a valid driver's license and fled the scene without contacting law enforcement. He is scheduled to appear in court on October 27.

The case now sits with CMPD's Major Crash Investigation Unit. They are continuing their work. For the family, the immediate focus has shifted to saying goodbye. Espinoza was a valued student at Devonshire Elementary School. A school district spokesperson acknowledged the pain radiating through the community. They stated they are working closely with school leadership to ensure students, families, and staff receive the care and support they need in the days ahead.

The family started a GoFundMe to cover funerary expenses. Their words cut deep: "Rest in peace, little Mariana. Your six years of life will live forever in the hearts of those who love you.