Teen charged in hit-and-run that killed 6-year-old near Charlotte bus stop

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police charged a 17-year-old with felony hit-and-run causing death after a crash that killed 6-year-old Mariana Espinoza in east Charlotte, WBTV reported.

The incident occurred on Friday, Oct. 23, around 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of Barrington Drive and Lanecrest Drive, where Espinoza was crossing after getting off a school bus, according to WBTV and WSOC-TV.

Espinoza, a student at Devonshire Elementary School, was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and died the following day, police said, as reported by WBTV.

Court documents allege the teen, Lachevis Finnie, was driving a gray 2012-2015 Mercedes-Benz C250 with heavy front grille damage and fled the scene without notifying law enforcement or stopping, according to WBTV.

Police released doorbell camera footage showing moments before the crash, which captured children crossing the intersection, and a photo of the suspect vehicle, as detailed by WBTV.

Finnie was held without bond to ensure court appearance and was scheduled for a court appearance on Tuesday, Oct. 27, WBTV reported.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools expressed condolences and said they are working to support the community affected by the loss, WBTV noted.