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
Sweden jams suspected Russian drone near French carrier as NATO war fears rise

Sweden Thwarts Suspected Russian Drone Near French Carrier Amid Growing NATO Tensions

Ukraine marks four years since Russia’s invasion Fox News’ senior foreign affairs…
Feds make 25 more arrests in anti-ICE Minnesota church invasion

Federal Authorities Arrest 25 in Connection to Anti-ICE Demonstration at Minnesota Church

Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced the arrest of 25 individuals in…
Chicago Public Schools to shut down 2 ASPIRA charter schools

Chicago Public Schools’ Bold Move: Closure of Two ASPIRA Charter Schools Uncovered

CHICAGO — In a significant move, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has announced…
Bullet in the cap, Fresno police share body cam of moment officer narrowly escapes a gunshot to the head

Heart-Stopping Moment: Fresno Officer Dodges Bullet to the Head – Body Cam Footage Revealed

Intense bodycam footage captures a harrowing moment in Fresno, where a police…
Man accused of spraying anti-ICE graffiti at Oklahoma Capitol is registered child sex offender, charges filed

Oklahoma Capitol Vandalism: Charges Filed Against Registered Child Sex Offender for Anti-ICE Graffiti

A registered sex offender has been accused of vandalizing Oklahoma’s State Capitol…
Ex-nonprofit boss allegedly swiped $1.2M meant for homeless programs to fund lavish lifestyle, DA says

Former Nonprofit CEO Accused of Embezzling $1.2M from Homeless Funds for Personal Luxury

The leader of a city-funded nonprofit in San Francisco is accused of…
Mike Huckabee tells Israel embassy staff to leave 'today' if they want to as Iran talks stall

Mike Huckabee Urges Israel Embassy Personnel to Depart Immediately Amid Stalled Iran Negotiations

In a decisive move, the State Department has granted permission for non-essential…
'I think he would be proud'

Heartfelt Tribute: A Son Reflects on His Father’s Legacy

On Friday, an NYPD detective paid homage to her late father, who…
Notorious pedophile slapped with new charges just hours before he was due to be released from prison

Convicted Pedophile Faces Fresh Charges on Eve of Prison Release

In a dramatic turn of events, a convicted pedophile has been faced…
How the Susan Rice snafu cost Netflix on home stretch of Warner Bros. Discovery deal

Netflix Faces Setback in Warner Bros. Discovery Deal Due to Susan Rice Controversy

A variety of factors contributed to Netflix’s decision to withdraw from the…
Palisades fire ignition blaze was never put out according to LA firefighter

LA Firefighter Reveals Palisades Blaze Was Never Fully Extinguished

A firefighter has alleged that crews were instructed to abandon the Lachman…
Biden, 83, jokes about age and brags about his border numbers during rare speech

Biden’s Bold Humor and Border Success: A Rare Speech That Defies Age Stereotypes

In a rare public appearance since leaving office, former President Joe Biden…