CHARLOTTE, NC — October 23, 2026 Six-year-old Mariana Espinoza died after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Barrington Drive and Lanecrest Drive in Charlotte, North Carolina, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD). The driver left the scene following the collision, which occurred Friday afternoon.
Police responded at approximately 3:21 p.m. on October 23 after receiving reports of a pedestrian crash. Mariana sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital by emergency medical personnel. She died from her injuries on October 24, authorities confirmed.
According to preliminary findings, Mariana was crossing Barrington Drive near Lanecrest Drive when the vehicle struck her. The driver reportedly continued north on Barrington Drive without stopping.
Authorities later identified Lachevis Finnie, 17, as a suspect in the case. Finnie was charged with felony hit-and-run resulting in death, according to reports published October 26. Court documents reportedly indicate that Finnie did not have a valid driver’s license. The allegations remain subject to the legal process.
