Fatal Crash Investigation in the Central Division

Published on July 03, 2026

Charlotte, N.C. – (Friday, July 3, 2026) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash in the Central Division. 

On Friday, July 3, 2026, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Central Division officers responded to an accident with personal injuries call for service near the 600 block of East Independence Boulevard. Upon arriving, officers located a 2018 Honda Civic on the north side of the roadway with heavy damage that was occupied by an unresponsive juvenile.

The driver, Mayra Castaneda, 32, was located at the rear of the vehicle with non-life-threatening injuries. MEDIC responded to the scene and pronounced the juvenile, Ilam Mateo Espinoza Castaneda, 8, deceased.

Detectives with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department’s Major Crash Investigation Unit, officers with the DWI Task Force, Crime Scene Search and a representative from the Medical Examiners Officer responded to the scene and began their investigation.

Initial investigation indicated that Mayra Castaneda was driving westbound on E. Independence Boulevard at a high rate of speed while impaired by an impairing substance when her vehicle left the north side of the roadway and struck a tree.

Ms. Castaneda was screened for impairment and determined to be impaired.

Speed and impairment are factors for Ms. Castaneda.

This is an ongoing, active investigation. As further information develops it will be released by CMPD Public Affairs. Any witnesses to the crash, or anyone with information concerning the crash, should contact Detective K. Sessoms at (704) 432-2169, extension 3. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or visiting the Crime Stoppers website at http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/. For more information, please refer to report: 20260703-0233-01.

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