North Carolina Parents Face Charges After Son Fatally Struck While Walking Home

A devastating incident in Gastonia, North Carolina has resulted in serious charges against the parents of 7-year-old Legend Jenkins, who was hit and killed by a car while walking home from a store with his 10-year-old brother.

According to reports, Legend ran into the road and was struck by a vehicle driven by a 76-year-old man, who remained at the scene. Police confirmed that the driver was neither speeding nor driving recklessly, and no charges will be filed against him.

Instead, the boy’s parents, Sameule Jenkins and Jessica Ivey, were arrested on Thursday and charged with involuntary manslaughter and child neglect. Authorities cited negligence for allowing their young children to navigate a busy area without adult supervision.

Police emphasized that the intersection was too dangerous for children to be alone. Legend was taken to a nearby hospital, then transferred to a pediatric facility in Charlotte, where he passed away four hours later. A witness who tried to comfort the boy described the experience as deeply distressing.

The parents sought permission to attend their son's funeral, but a judge denied bail and set bond at $1.5 million each.

A GoFundMe campaign launched by the family has raised over $6,000 to help cover funeral expenses.