Teen faces $2.5 million bond after hit-and-run death

Lachevis Finnie, 17, appeared in Mecklenburg County court on Tuesday after authorities charged him with felony hit-and-run resulting in death. A judge set his bond at $2.5 million and ordered a mental health evaluation. Finnie was appointed a public defender during the hearing.

The charge stems from the death of Mariana Espinoza, 6, who was struck by a car in east Charlotte last Friday. Espinoza, a student at Devonshire Elementary School, had just exited her school bus when the collision occurred at an intersection. She was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and died the following day.

Court documents filed Monday identify Finnie as the driver of the Mercedes-Benz involved in the accident. Police released a photo of the gray vehicle on Monday morning and identified Finnie as a suspect by Monday evening. Officials stated they conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle and seized the car as evidence.

The affidavit alleges Finnie did not stop after the collision and did not call 911. He claimed he fled because he was scared. The document notes that Finnie confessed to striking the child and has been cooperative with investigators since his arrest. Doorbell camera footage released Monday shows the moments leading up to the crash.

The case is being handled by Charlotte police. Finnie was arrested Monday in connection with the incident. The victim’s family was notified following her hospitalization.