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
Douglas Murray: Europe must step up it's own defense spending and deter Putin, Russia from any more invasions

Douglas Murray Urges Europe to Bolster Defense Spending to Deter Further Russian Aggression

Jokes about the European military have circulated for ages. One that stands…
Avli Winnetka shares spicy Greek feta dip recipe on Cooking up a Storm

Discover Avli Winnetka’s Flavorful Greek Feta Dip Recipe on Cooking up a Storm!

CHICAGO (WLS) — Tracy Butler, a meteorologist from ABC7 Chicago, teamed up…
F.M. K9 owner Michael McHenry found not guilty of animal cruelty after 9 overheated dogs in truck die in Lake Station, Indiana

Michael McHenry, Owner of F.M. K9, Acquitted of Animal Cruelty Charges Following Tragic Death of Nine Dogs in Lake Station, Indiana

In a northwest Indiana courtroom, a man faced allegations of animal cruelty…
Omaha bystander flees gas station bathroom moments before armed man fires on officers

Omaha Hero Escapes Gas Station Restroom Before Armed Suspect Opens Fire on Police

An individual in Omaha, Nebraska, narrowly escaped danger by leaving a gas…
Far Rockaway man arrested for beating Queens homeowner during wild car meetup

Shocking Assault in Queens: Far Rockaway Man Arrested at Chaotic Car Meetup

Authorities have announced the arrest of a Far Rockaway resident involved in…
Loyola New Orleans TPUSA chapter denied again after 'absolutely appalling' student government meeting: student

Loyola New Orleans TPUSA Chapter Faces Rejection Following Contentious Student Government Meeting

The student government at Loyola University has once again rejected the bid…
Investigators believe more victims exist after Palatka man arrested for child sexual assault

Authorities Suspect Additional Victims in Case of Palatka Man Accused of Child Sexual Assault

A 37-year-old man named Corzelle White has been taken into custody, accused…
Trump administration launching new private health data tracking system

President Trump Honors Fallen National Guard Hero with Half-Staff Flag Tribute Following D.C. Attack

Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old member of the West Virginia Army National Guard,…
Chicago crime: Marquis Terry charged in kidnapping; alert issued for robberies in Little Village, Humboldt Park, Logan Square

Chicago Crime Update: Marquis Terry Faces Kidnapping Charges, Warning Issued for Little Village, Humboldt Park, and Logan Square Robberies

CHICAGO – Authorities have announced charges against a man in connection with…
NJ mayor charged with child endangerment after caught driving while drunk

NJ Mayor Arrested for Drunk Driving and Child Endangerment

A New Jersey mayor, whose reckless actions earlier this year shocked her…
'Quite uncomfortable': New community task force pushes for upgrades to the Mathews Bridge

Community Task Force Demands Urgent Upgrades for Mathews Bridge Amidst Growing Safety Concerns

A Jacksonville historian has initiated a grassroots movement advocating for safety enhancements…
Florida sheriff calls massive drug operation ''Breaking Bad' on steroids' after record-breaking bust

Florida Sheriff Describes Record-Breaking Drug Bust as ‘Breaking Bad’ on Steroids

In a significant crackdown, Florida law enforcement officials have confiscated around 92,000…