The parents of 7-year-old Legend Jenkins, who died after being hit by a car, have been charged with involuntary manslaughter. Jessica Ivey and Samuele Jenkins faced charges two days following the accident on May 27 in Gastonia, North Carolina. The couple allowed Legend and his 10-year-old brother to walk home unaccompanied from a nearby grocery store, which is located just two blocks from their home. The brothers needed to cross a busy four-lane road, and witnesses reported that Legend stepped into traffic despite his brother’s attempts to hold him back.
The 76-year-old driver of the Jeep that struck Legend will not face any charges, as police found no evidence of speeding or wrongdoing on his part. The parents’ bond has been set at $1.5 million, with law enforcement stating that adults must ensure a safe environment for their children. They have remained silent on the case, with public defenders not commenting publicly.
Prior to their arrest, Ivey expressed her devastation over the incident, noting it was the first time she had allowed her children to walk alone. She described the overwhelming grief felt by both parents, stating, “It’s hard, I haven’t stopped crying; my husband hasn’t stopped crying. Honestly, I want justice for my baby.” Witness Summer Williams, who saw the accident unfold, recalled comforting Legend until help arrived, emphasizing the tragic nature of the situation and the child’s apparent unawareness of oncoming traffic. The incident remains under investigation by the Gastonia Police Department’s Traffic Division.
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