Case Summary
- Case Type
- Homicide
- Incident Date
- Friday
- Incident Time
- 3:21 p.m.
- Location
- Charlotte, Charlotte, NC
- Investigating Agency
- Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
- Suspect
- Lachevis Finnie
- Suspect Age
- 17
- Victim Count
- 1
- Charges
- felony hit-and-run causing death
- Arrest Status
- Arrested and booked into jail
- Court Status
- Granted a $2.5 million secured bond
- Case Status
- Pending court appearance
A 17-year-old North Carolina teenager has been arrested and charged following a fatal collision in Charlotte, according to local authorities, after he allegedly struck a 6-year-old girl with his vehicle and fled the scene.
The incident unfolded in Charlotte, North Carolina, where law enforcement officials launched an intensive investigation into the hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a young student. According to a press release from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, the tragedy occurred on Friday afternoon, leaving the community reeling and sparking a multi-day search for the driver responsible before an arrest was finally made on Monday.
Incident Overview
According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, officers responded to reports of a crash on Friday at 3:21 p.m. involving a child who had been struck by a motor vehicle. Investigators determined that 6-year-old Mariana Espinoza, a student at Devonshire Elementary School, had just stepped off her school bus when she was hit by a gray 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. Rather than stopping to render aid or report the collision, the driver accelerated away from the scene, leaving the young girl lying on the pavement with critical, life-threatening injuries.
First responders arrived at the location to find the victim severely injured. Emergency personnel transported her for medical treatment, but despite life-saving efforts, she succumbed to her injuries the following day. The vehicle involved was documented as having temporary tags and heavy damage to the front grill, details that ultimately proved crucial in helping authorities track down the automobile during the subsequent manhunt.
Timeline of Events
- Friday at 3:21 p.m.: The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department receives reports of a crash involving a child struck by a vehicle that subsequently flees the scene.
- Saturday: Six-year-old Mariana Espinoza dies from the severe injuries sustained in the collision.
- Monday: Police track down the suspect vehicle using surveillance cameras and conduct a traffic stop, leading to the arrest of 17-year-old Lachevis Finnie and the filing of felony charges.
- Tuesday: Finnie makes his initial court appearance, where a judge sets a $2.5 million secured bond and orders a mental health evaluation.
- November 17: Scheduled date for the suspect's next court appearance.
Suspect Information
The suspect has been identified as 17-year-old Lachevis Finnie. According to police records and the arrest affidavit reviewed by Law and Crime, Finnie was operating the gray 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 at the time of the collision. Investigators noted that Finnie did not possess a valid driver's license. Following his apprehension, Finnie reportedly spoke with law enforcement, telling officers that something ran out in front of his car and that a collision occurred, adding that he fled the scene because he was scared. Police stated that he cooperated with the investigation following his detention.
Victim Information
The victim in this case was 6-year-old Mariana Espinoza. According to local CBS affiliate WBTV, Mariana was a student at Devonshire Elementary School. She had just completed her school day and disembarked from her school bus when she was struck by the suspect's vehicle. She suffered severe, life-threatening injuries in the impact and passed away the following day.
Police Response
Officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded to the emergency call regarding the hit-and-run crash on Friday afternoon. Upon arrival at the scene, responding officers located the victim suffering from critical injuries and immediately initiated emergency medical protocols and scene security.
Investigation
The investigation into the fatal hit-and-run was spearheaded by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Detectives utilized public and private surveillance footage, which captured the suspect vehicle. Leveraging this digital evidence, along with an arrest affidavit, officers successfully tracked down the gray 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250.
Evidence Collected
- Surveillance camera footage capturing the suspect vehicle
- A gray 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 with temporary tags and heavy damage to the front grill
- An arrest affidavit detailing the traffic stop and statements made by the driver
Arrest Details
Following the tracking of the suspect vehicle, police conducted a traffic stop on Monday. Lachevis Finnie was behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz during the stop. He was taken into custody without further reported incident, arrested, and subsequently booked into jail.
Charges Filed
- Felony hit-and-run causing death: A serious criminal charge applied when a motorist is accused of knowingly leaving the scene of an accident that results in a fatality, rather than stopping to fulfill legal reporting and aid requirements.
Court Information
The judicial proceedings are taking place in local court jurisdictions in North Carolina. During a court appearance on Tuesday, a judge granted Lachevis Finnie a $2.5 million secured bond and ordered him to undergo a mental health evaluation. His next scheduled court appearance is set for Nov. 17.
Statements from Authorities
Information regarding the incident and the subsequent investigation was detailed in a press release and official arrest affidavit issued by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, outlining the emergency response, vehicle tracking methods, and the suspect's statements to investigators.
Public Safety Information
Motorists are legally and ethically required to remain at the scene of any traffic collision, render aid to injured parties, and immediately notify emergency services. Leaving the scene of a crash, particularly one involving pedestrians or children near school bus stops, carries severe felony penalties. Anyone with information regarding traffic safety violations or reckless driving in their communities is encouraged to contact local law enforcement or dial 911 immediately in the event of an emergency.
What Happens Next
As the legal process moves forward, the case will proceed through the court system for further hearings, formal indictment evaluations, and pre-trial conferences. The defense and prosecution will review the evidence collected during the police investigation, including the arrest affidavit and vehicle forensics, leading toward eventual trial proceedings or plea negotiations under the supervision of the court.
