Fatal Crash Investigation in the North Tryon Division

Charlotte, N.C. – (Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026) – Detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Major Crash Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal hit and run involving a vehicle and a pedestrian in the North Tryon Division.

On Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at approximately 3:21 p.m., officers responded to a motor vehicle crash with injuries involving a pedestrian in the 7000 block of Barrington Drive. Upon arrival, officers located a juvenile that had been struck by a vehicle. The vehicle did not remain on scene and fled the area. 

The juvenile, Mariana Espinoza, 6, was transported by MEDIC to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. 

Detectives with the Major Crash Investigation Unit and officers with the DWI Task Force responded to the scene and the hospital to conduct their investigation. Members of Crime Scene Search responded to process the scene and to collect physical evidence. The Charlotte Fire Department and MEDIC also responded to the scene.

On Oct. 24, 2026, detectives were notified that Espinoza was pronounced deceased due to injuries she sustained in the collision. 

The preliminary investigation indicates that Espinoza was crossing Barrington Drive at the intersection with Lanecrest Drive when she was struck. The vehicle fled the scene traveling north on Barrington Drive.

 

Ms. Espinoza’s next of kin has been notified of her death.

 

Anyone with information about this vehicle is asked to call 911 or Crime Stoppers immediately.

 

The investigation into this case is active and ongoing. As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD’s Public Affairs Division. Any witnesses to the crash, or anyone with information concerning the crash, should contact Detective Worthy at 704-432-2169, extension 4. The public can also leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or Charlotte Crime Stoppers. For additional information about this case, please refer to the report: 20261023-1521-00.

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