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
South Carolina triple murderer set to be third man to die by firing squad in state this year

South Carolina Prepares for Execution of Third Inmate by Firing Squad in 2023

A South Carolina man convicted of murdering three individuals over two decades…
Weatherford, OK chemical spill: Anhydrous ammonia gas leak from truck behind Holiday Inn Express sickens dozens, forces evacuation

Chemical Leak Near Holiday Inn in Weatherford, OK: Dozens Fall Ill, Evacuations Underway

In Weatherford, Oklahoma, a tanker truck incident led to the release of…
Antifa members indicted in Texas ICE facility riot, attempted murder of officer

Texas ICE Facility Riot: Antifa Members Indicted for Attempted Officer Murder

Nine individuals associated with an Antifa group were formally indicted on Friday,…
Judge should wait before naming Rikers receiver

Critical Decision on Rikers Island Receiver: Why Patience is Key

This year, twelve individuals have tragically lost their lives in the city’s…
FBI investigating attack in Boulder, Colorado as 'act of terror,' several victims with burn injuries, suspect in custody

Chicago Cold Case Breakthrough: David Barklow Arrested for 2004 Downtown Apartment Shooting After International Search

A man has been apprehended and charged in connection with a murder…
A-Rod, ex-wife open up on the Madonna affair for first time in tense moment in new doc

A-Rod and Ex-Wife Break Silence on Madonna Affair in Revealing New Documentary

Yankees icon Alex Rodriguez and his ex-wife, Cynthia Scurtis, recently opened up…
Melodee Buzzard’s mom released after allegedly imprisoning officer, revealing missing daughter’s location

Mother of Melodee Buzzard Freed Amid Allegations of Officer Imprisonment and Daughter’s Location Revelation

The mother of a missing 9-year-old girl considered “at-risk” reportedly confided to…
Cardi B, now a mom of 4, welcomes first baby with Stefon Diggs

Cardi B Expands Her Family with the Arrival of First Child with Stefon Diggs, Now a Mother of Four

Cardi B and Stefon Diggs have joyfully announced the arrival of their…
21 gang members arrested in massive North Texas crime crackdown, FBI says

FBI’s Sweeping North Texas Operation Nets 21 Gang Members – A Major Blow to Organized Crime

In a significant crackdown on criminal activities, over 20 members of the…
Judge rules Boston fraudster Brian Walshe competent to stand trial in wife's murder

Boston Fraudster Brian Walshe Deemed Competent to Stand Trial in Wife’s Murder Case, Judge Rules

A Massachusetts judge has ruled that Brian Walshe, a Boston-area fraud convict…
Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Alex Murdaugh's housekeeper, John Wayne Gacy encounter, Brian Walshe case

Unraveling Mysteries: Alex Murdaugh’s Housekeeper Speaks Out, John Wayne Gacy’s Chilling Encounter, and the Latest on Brian Walshe

In a significant development, Brian Walshe, a Boston-based fraudster, has been deemed…
‘Protector’ father of nine slain after minor crash spirals into deadly road rage clash

Devoted Father of Nine Tragically Killed in Escalating Road Rage Incident

A tragic incident unfolded in California as a 49-year-old father of nine…