Teen charged after hit-and-run kills 6-year-old in Charlotte

Charlotte police arrested Lachevis Finnie on Monday in connection with the death of 6-year-old Mariana Espinoza. Authorities charged the 17-year-old with felony hit-and-run resulting in death. Espinoza was a student at Devonshire Elementary School in east Charlotte.

The collision occurred last Friday as Espinoza crossed at an intersection immediately after getting off her school bus. She suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital, where she died the following day. Doorbell camera footage captured the moments before the accident.

Police released a photo of a gray Mercedes-Benz on Monday morning, identifying it as the likely vehicle involved in the crash. By Monday evening, officers had stopped and seized the car. Court documents state Finnie was driving at the time of the incident.

An affidavit alleges Finnie did not stop after the collision and did not call 911. He told investigators he fled because he was scared. The document notes that Finnie confessed to striking the child and has cooperated with the investigation since his arrest.

Finnie appeared in Mecklenburg County court on Tuesday. A judge appointed a public defender for him and set his bond at $2.5 million. He was also ordered to complete a mental health evaluation.