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
23-year-old woman shot in leg on NYC street

23-Year-Old Woman Injured in NYC Street Shooting: Growing Concerns Over Urban Safety

In a bustling Queens neighborhood on Tuesday afternoon, a 23-year-old woman, seemingly…
The least and most expensive areas to rent in LA revealed

Discover LA’s Hidden Gems: Unveiling the Most Affordable & Luxurious Neighborhoods for Rent

A recent analysis highlights the priciest and most budget-friendly neighborhoods for renters…
DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin to leave post, vows she's 'not exiting the fight'

DHS Spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin Resigns, Pledges Continued Advocacy in Homeland Security Efforts

WASHINGTON — Tricia McLaughlin, a prominent advocate for President Trump’s stringent immigration…
Palmdale Street shooting on Jacksonville's Northwest side leaves man dead

Jacksonville Shooting: Head Trauma Survivor’s Miraculous Recovery Sparks Police Investigation

Authorities in Jacksonville report a shooting incident where a man in his…
Say His Name: Officer Brian Elliott Killed in Line of Duty

Honoring Officer Brian Elliott: A Heartfelt Tribute to a Fallen Hero

Tragedy struck Beech Grove, Indiana, as Police Officer Brian Elliott lost his…
Vatican expands visitor experience at St. Peter's Basilica to mark 400th anniversary

Vatican Enhances Visitor Experience at St. Peter’s Basilica in Celebration of 400th Anniversary

VATICAN CITY — Ever thought about savoring a slice of pizza with…
Erewhon and Function launch 'World's Healthiest Smoothie' with 160 lab tests to back it up

Erewhon and Function Collaborate to Introduce the ‘World’s Healthiest Smoothie,’ Backed by Extensive Lab Testing

Step aside, Hailey Bieber—there’s a new $25 must-have making waves at Erewhon,…
Paczki Day 2026: Chicago-are bakeries ready for crowds to grab Fat Tuesday treats ahead of Lent, Ash Wednesday

Get Ready for Paczki Day 2026: Chicago Bakeries Prepare for Fat Tuesday Rush

In Chicago and its suburbs, Fat Tuesday is synonymous with Paczki Day,…
AOC lampooned for claiming Venezuela is below equator — while trying to show off foreign policy chops

AOC’s Geographic Blunder: The Viral Venezuela Mishap That Sparked a Social Media Frenzy

WASHINGTON — Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York City faced widespread mockery…
Woman battles medical bill that should have been covered by insurance for years after Northwestern Medicine Bloomingdale scan

Woman Challenges Longstanding Insurance Billing Dispute After Northwestern Medicine Bloomingdale Scan

A Chicago resident found herself embroiled in a prolonged struggle over a…
ICE mouthpiece Tricia McLaughlin leaving Trump administration

ICE Spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin Departs from Trump Administration

Tricia McLaughlin, a vocal public advocate of President Trump’s stringent immigration policies,…
Tour guide company behind 10 skiers missing in Lake Tahoe avalanche breaks silence

Tour Guide Firm Addresses Missing Skier Incident in Lake Tahoe Avalanche

A tour company responsible for a backcountry skiing excursion near Lake Tahoe,…