6-Year-Old Girl Dies After Being Hit Near School Bus Stop as Teen Driver Faces Felony Charge

A North Carolina community is mourning the death of a 6-year-old girl who was struck by a car shortly after getting off her school bus. A 17-year-old has since been charged in connection with the fatal hit-and-run, according to police.

The child, Mariana Espinoza, was crossing near the intersection of Barrington Drive and Lanecrest Drive in Charlotte at around 3:21 p.m. on Friday, October 23, when she was hit by a vehicle, authorities said. She was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries but died the following day.

Investigators said the driver left the scene without stopping. Police later asked the public for help identifying a gray Mercedes-Benz C250 believed to have been involved in the collision. The vehicle was described as having significant damage to its front grille.

On October 26, authorities identified 17-year-old Lachevis Finnie as the suspected driver after a traffic stop involving the vehicle. He was charged with felony hit-and-run resulting in death.

According to court documents reported by local media, Finnie did not have a valid driver’s license. An arrest affidavit also alleges that he acknowledged a collision had occurred and told investigators he drove away because he was scared.

At a court appearance on October 27, a judge set his secured bond at $2.5 million and ordered a mental health evaluation. His next court appearance was scheduled for November 17.

Mariana was a student at Devonshire Elementary School. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools described her death as a heartbreaking loss and said support was being provided to students, families and staff affected by the tragedy.

The investigation and court proceedings are ongoing. The allegations against Finnie have not been proven in court.

Source:  dailymail