Man dies after high-speed crash in Charlotte on Independence Boulevard, police say
A woman faces a slew of charges after a high-speed crash on East Independence Boulevard that killed a man Friday.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police say 32-year-old Mayra Castenada was impaired and driving 80 miles per hour in a 50-mph zone when the crash occurred. The crash killed Ilam Mateo Espinoza Castenada, according to the arrest warrant.
Police charged Mayra Castenada with felony death by vehicle, reckless driving to endanger, speeding and driving without a North Carolina license, according to the warrant.
She is being held in lieu of $1 million bond at the Mecklenburg County jail.
This story was originally published July 3, 2026 at 5:09 PM.
Caitlin McGlade
The Charlotte Observer