Photo of a young boy in a blue and green checkered shirt.
Share this @internewscast.com

A MOM and dad have been arrested after their 7-year-son was fatally struck by an SUV while walking home “unattended” from a store.

They were charged with involuntary manslaughter after leaving little Legend Jenkins unsupervised, said cops.

Photo of a young boy in a blue and green checkered shirt.
Legend Jenkins, 7, was fatally struck by a Jeep Cherokee in Gastonia, North CarolinaCredit: Family Handout
Memorial at roadside for a child killed in an accident.
Tributes have been left at the scene of last Tuesday’s fatal crashCredit: WSOC-TV

Gastonia Police said that a Jeep Cherokee driving by a 76-year-old woman hit Legend at about 6 pm last Tuesday.

The second-grader had been crossing a road while walking with his brother, 10, in Gastonia, North Carolina.

A passing driver said she has been haunted by his death after she stopped to help the seriously injured boy.

Summer Williams said she held him in her arms until the ambulance arrived, reported the New York Post.

But he died four hours later that night in hospital.

His mother, Jessica Jenkins, told Gaston Gazette that “sweet” Legend was a “mama’s boy” who enjoyed sports.

The mom said it was the first time she had let her children cross that street alone, “and someone killed him.”

She accused the SUV driver of “taking somebody’s baby – she doesn’t need to be out here driving.”

Legend’s dad, Sameule Jenkins said he was in “shock.”

The distraught man said his boy had enjoyed playing “everything ― soccer, football, basketball, he just never got a chance to flourish.”

Indy 500 driver ploughs into his pit crew and injures four team members

He added, “My son didn’t deserve this. I wish I was there to protect him.”

The Gastonia Police Department said last Thursday that cops have filed criminal charges against them both.

“Both parents have been charged with felony involuntary manslaughter, felony child neglect, and misdemeanor child neglect,” it added.

Mugshot of a woman arrested in connection with a fatal accident.
The boy’s mom, Jessica Jenkins, was arrested by Gastonia PoliceCredit: Gaston County Sheriff’s Office
Mugshot of a man with long dreadlocks.
Sameule Jenkins, the boy’s dad, was also arrested for involuntary manslaughterCredit: Gaston County Sheriff’s Office

The police stated that last Tuesday, “around 5:55 p.m., officers responded to a reported traffic collision in the 1000 block of West Hudson Boulevard.”

“Upon arrival, police found that a 7-year-old juvenile male had been struck by a Jeep Cherokee being driven by a 76-year female driver.

“The initial investigation found that the child was trying to cross the street outside of a crosswalk with another juvenile male, aged 10, when he entered the roadway and was struck.”

UNSUPERVISED

Legend was initially taken to CaroMont Regional Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.

But he was later transferred to Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte.

The police said, “Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead near 10 pm.”

Regarding the double arrest, it continued, “While the Gastonia Police Department extends its deepest sympathies to the family for the devastating loss of their child, the investigation revealed that the children involved were unsupervised when the boy stepped into traffic.”

“In such cases, adults must be held accountable for their responsibilities to ensure a safe environment for their children.”

SUV DRIVER

Witness to the collision, Summer Williams said she had seen Legend dash out on to the road, as his older brother desperately tried to hold him back.

She added, “Even at night, I still see his (Legend’s) face.”

Cops confirmed that the SUV driver has not been arrested.

The statement said, “At this time, there is no evidence of speeding or wrongdoing on the part of the driver, therefore no charges have been filed.

“The driver continues to be cooperative and the incident remains under active investigation by the Gastonia Police Department’s Traffic Division.

“Anyone who witnessed the crash or may have relevant information is urged to contact Corporal Carpenter with the Gastonia Police Department at 704-866-6702.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Can AI keep students motivated, or does it do the opposite?

Unleashing AI in Education: Boosting Student Motivation or Creating New Challenges?

Imagine a student utilizing a writing assistant powered by generative AI technology.…
30 California District Attorneys Are a Hard NO on Prop. 50, Gavin Newsom's Gerrymandering Scheme

AAG Dhillon Calms Tensions with Governor Newsom Over DOJ Election Monitoring Plans

The Department of Justice has announced plans to deploy election monitors to…
Trump witnesses Thailand, Cambodia sign peace expansion months after brokering ceasefire

Historic Peace Expansion: Trump Celebrates Landmark Thailand-Cambodia Accord Following Ceasefire Success

On Sunday, Cambodia and Thailand officially extended a ceasefire agreement that was…

Ex-LAPD Officer Faces Murder Charges in Shocking 2015 Unarmed Homeless Man Shooting

In a significant legal development, a grand jury indictment was revealed on…
A General Dilemma the War Department Must Remedy

War Department Faces Critical Challenge Needing Resolution

In the iconic film “White Christmas,” a song poses a poignant question…
Serbian foreign minister proposes hosting Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations amid ongoing conflict

Serbia Offers Neutral Ground for Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks: A Diplomatic Step Towards Resolution

EXCLUSIVE: Marko Djuric, the Foreign Minister of Serbia, revealed to Fox News…
More than 2 million pounds of barbecue pork jerky recalled over metal contamination

Urgent Recall: Over 2 Million Pounds of BBQ Pork Jerky Pulled from Shelves Due to Metal Contamination

Consumers are advised to dispose of the recalled jerky or return it…
2 people, dog found dead inside Neptune Beach home: police

Two Individuals and a Dog Discovered Deceased in Neptune Beach Residence, Authorities Report

First Coast News reports the presence of multiple police vehicles currently stationed…
FBI Director Kash Patel plans travel to China in fentanyl crackdown effort

FBI Director Kash Patel to Visit China in Strategic Move to Combat Fentanyl Crisis

FBI Director Kash Patel is scheduled to travel to China next month,…
A bomb in Gaza's rubble wounds twins who thought it was a toy

Tragedy in Gaza: Twins Mistakenly Play with Bomb Hidden in Rubble

In Gaza City, a pair of six-year-old twins mistook a round object…
Jackson Chance Foundation to raise money for NICU families at 11th annual Ping Pong Ball at SPIN Chicago in River North

Join the 11th Annual Ping Pong Ball at SPIN Chicago to Support NICU Families with Jackson Chance Foundation

CHICAGO — The Jackson Chance Foundation is gearing up for its 11th…
Chicago immigration activity: Federal agents detain worker in Old Irving Park, appear to use tear gas; fear disrupts local parade

Federal Agents Detain Worker in Old Irving Park, Tear Gas Suspected; Local Parade Plunged into Chaos in Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Saturday, federal agents were once again active on…