North Carolina parents charged after son is struck and killed by SUV while walking with older brother
Share this @internewscast.com

A 7-year-old boy tragically lost his life after being hit by an SUV while attempting to cross a road in North Carolina last week. Subsequently, his parents have been arrested and charged for neglecting to supervise him, as stated by police.

The incident occurred on May 27 around 6 p.m. when Legend Jenkins and his 10-year-old brother walked outside a crosswalk in Gastonia, a city situated west of Charlotte. Their mother reportedly mentioned to a local news outlet that this was the first time she had permitted them to walk to a nearby grocery store unaccompanied.

Jenkins was immediately taken to a local medical center with severe injuries and later moved to Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, where he unfortunately passed away around 10 p.m.

The boy’s mother, Jessica Ivey, and his father, Sameule Jenkins, were arrested and charged with felony involuntary manslaughter, felony child neglect and misdemeanor child neglect, the Gastonia Police Department announced two days later. 

Legend Jenkins was fatally struck by an SUV last week

Legend Jenkins was fatally struck by an SUV last week. (WJZY)

The parents appeared in court on Friday and were both issued a $1.5 million bond, WSOC-TV reports.

“While the Gastonia Police Department offers its deepest sympathies to the family for the heartbreaking loss of their child, the investigation revealed that the children involved were unsupervised at the time the boy stepped into traffic,” the Gastonia Police Department said in a press release. “In such cases, adults must be held accountable for their responsibilities to ensure a safe environment for their children.”

The deadly incident took place in the 1000 block of West Hudson Boulevard and the SUV was being driven by a 76-year-old woman. 

Police said there is no evidence of speeding or wrongdoing on the part of the driver and no charges have been filed. The driver continues to be cooperative and the incident remains under active investigation, police said.

Jessica Ivey and Sameule Jenkins

Jessica Ivey and Sameule Jenkins have been charged after their 7-year-old boy was fatally struck by an SUV last week as he tried to cross a road in North Carolina. (WJZY )

Summer Williams, a witness who tended to the victim at the scene, told WSOC-TV that she saw Legend step out in front of a car as his brother tried to pull him back.

“That shocked me,” said Williams, who said she stopped her car and held the child in her arms and rubbed him to comfort him. At that time, he was still alive.

“Just letting him know that somebody was there and he wasn’t alone,” Williams said. “Even at night, I still see his face.”

The incident took place in the 1000 block of West Hudson Boulevard

The incident took place in the 1000 block of West Hudson Boulevard. (WJZY )

The boy’s father launched a GoFundMe page before he was arrested by police, sharing photos of the victim. In one black-and-white image, Legend is wearing a T-shirt with “#Mama’s Boy” emblazoned across the front.

“He was a momma’s boy up and down. He was smart, creative and even if he was ill would always keep a smile,” the post reads, noting Legend was about to turn 8 in August.

“He loved playing any sports. He was truly a warrior, but after being revived close to twelve times, he unfortunately passed away. WE ASK that y’all send prayers for our family in this time of heartbreak and if you wish to give, anything would be very grateful.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Trump Mocks 'No Kings' Protests: 'I'm Not a King—I Work My A** Off'

Trump Fires Back at ‘No Kings’ Protesters: ‘I’m No Monarch, Just a Hardworking Leader

President Donald Trump addressed the “No Kings” protesters by dismissing them as…
Source of 'UFO' panic, drone mystery claims responsibility for frenzy: report

Mystery Solved: Drone Operator Admits Responsibility for Recent UFO Panic

A private aerial contractor has stepped forward to claim responsibility for the…
Florida AG Uthmeier subpoenas Roblox over child safety

Florida Attorney General Uthmeier Subpoenas Roblox to Investigate Child Safety Concerns

“We are unwavering in our mission to safeguard Florida’s children, and any…
Doug Martin, Bay Area-born NFL star, former Boise State and Oakland Raiders running back, dies at 36, family says

Bay Area NFL Alum and Former Raiders Running Back Doug Martin Passes Away at 36

In a somber announcement, the family of Doug Martin, the former standout…
Bank robbers turn blue state into hot spot for heists as bandits grow bolder, industry leader warns

Surge in Bank Heists: Blue State Becomes Unlikely Crime Hub Amid Bold Robberies, Industry Experts Alert

In recent years, while the nation has seen a general decrease in…
Former MLB player Jesús Montero dies two weeks after motorcycle crash

Tragic Loss: Former MLB Star Jesús Montero Passes Away After Motorcycle Tragedy

CARACAS (AP) — Jesús Montero, a Venezuelan native who once graced the…
ICE Chicago news: Immigration Enforcement, Border Patrol officials to testify on federal agents' use of force, tear gas Monday

Chicago Spotlight: Federal Officials Set to Address Use of Force and Tear Gas in Immigration Operations

Broadview, Illinois (WLS) — The scene outside the Broadview Immigration and Customs…
Driver plows into child's birthday party in Maryland killing woman, injuring 13 others

Tragic Incident at Maryland Birthday Party: Vehicle Collision Claims Life and Injures 13

Tragedy struck at a child’s birthday celebration in Maryland on Saturday night…
United Airlines flight diverts after windscreen crack

United Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Diversion Due to Windscreen Crack

Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board are currently probing an incident…
Advice to feed babies peanuts early and often helped 60,000 kids avoid allergies, study finds

New Study Reveals Early Peanut Introduction Prevents Allergies in 60,000 Children

A groundbreaking study conducted a decade ago revealed that introducing peanut products…

Massive Orthodox Jewish Protest in NYC: Sparks Fly Over Controversial Israeli Military Draft Reform

NEW YORK (AP) — On Sunday, streets and sidewalks near the Israeli…
Former Catcher Jesús Montero dies after motorcycle crash

Tragic Motorcycle Accident Claims Life of Former MLB Catcher Jesús Montero

According to The Seattle Times, Jesús Montero was tragically struck by a…