Parents Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter After 7-Year-Old Son Fatally Struck by Car in North Carolina
Gastonia, NC – A tragic accident has left a community grieving and two parents facing serious charges after their 7-year-old son, Legend Jenkins, died from injuries sustained in a car accident. Local authorities have now charged the boy’s parents with involuntary manslaughter, citing negligence in allowing the child and his older brother to walk home alone from a nearby store.
A Routine Walk Turns Tragic
On May 27, 2025, Legend and his 10-year-old brother were walking home alone from a Food Lion grocery store, just two blocks away from their house. According to reports, the boys attempted to cross a four-lane road in Gastonia without using a designated crosswalk.
Witnesses stated that Legend stepped into traffic unexpectedly, despite his brother’s attempt to hold him back. The young boy was struck by a Jeep, driven by a 76-year-old man who has since been cleared of any wrongdoing. Authorities say there was no evidence of speeding or driver negligence.
Parents Arrested Days After Son’s Death
Just two days after the incident, Jessica Ivey and Samuele Jenkins, Legend’s parents, were arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter. The Gastonia Police Department stated that the children were left unsupervised and attempted a dangerous crossing that ultimately led to Legend’s death.
“In such cases, adults must be held accountable for their responsibilities to ensure a safe environment for their children,” police said in an official statement.
The parents are being held on a $1.5 million bond. Public defenders for Ivey and Jenkins have not commented on the charges.
A Father’s Desperate Final Call
Samuele Jenkins recounted the heartbreaking moment he realized something had gone wrong. He was reportedly on the phone with his older son when he heard the panic in his voice:
“I heard my oldest son yell, ‘Legend, no!’ so I hung up and ran. I just ran to find them,” he told WSOC-TV Charlotte.
Jessica Ivey, the mother, shared that it was the first time she had ever allowed the children to walk alone to meet their father.
“It was just devastating. I’m still in shock,” Ivey said before her arrest. “I haven’t stopped crying; my husband hasn’t stopped crying. I want justice for my baby.”
Eyewitness Comforted the Boy in His Final Moments
Summer Williams, a local woman who witnessed the accident, said she was in her car when she saw the boy dart into the street. She rushed to Legend’s side to offer comfort until emergency responders arrived.
“Even at night, I still see his face,” Williams said. “Just letting him know that somebody was there and he wasn’t alone. I told him, ‘Stay with us, sweetheart. You’re going to be all right.’”
A Community in Mourning, and Questions of Accountability
The case has sparked widespread discussion around parental responsibility, road safety, and the legal implications of child supervision. While many in the community sympathize with the grief-stricken parents, police maintain that neglect led to a preventable tragedy.
The investigation remains active, and the Gastonia Police Department’s Traffic Division continues to review the circumstances of the incident. As of now, the driver involved in the accident has not been charged and is fully cooperating with authorities.
