CHARLOTTE — A 17-year-old driver admitted that he fled the scene out of fear after striking and killing 6-year-old Mariana Espinoza on Barrington Drive last Friday, according to court documents.
According to court records, Lachevis Finnie received a modified $2.5 million secured bond. He’s also ordered to complete a mental health evaluation, and he can’t have any contact with the victim’s family.
Finnie faces a felony hit-and-run charge in connection with the fatal crash.
Per an affidavit, Finnie admitted to law enforcement officials that he struck the child while driving a Mercedes-Benz C-250 and left without stopping to render assistance or calling 911.
In a sworn statement detailed in court documents, Finnie acknowledged he was driving the Mercedes when “something ran out in front of his car” before he fled the area.
Relatives of Espinoza informed reporters that the 6-year-old girl had gotten off her school bus on Barrington Drive before the collision.
Authorities stated that Finnie did not have a legal driver’s license at the time of the crash. Law enforcement officials located the vehicle on Monday.
Following his initial court appearance, a magistrate mandated that Finnie undergo a mental health assessment.