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Last week, a 7-year-old boy was tragically hit by an SUV while trying to cross a road in North Carolina. His parents have since been arrested and charged for leaving him unsupervised, according to the police.
Legend Jenkins was struck by a Jeep Cherokee on May 27 around 6 p.m. while walking outside a crosswalk with his 10-year-old brother in Gastonia, a city located west of Charlotte. Their mother mentioned to a local news source that it was the first time she allowed them to go to the nearby grocery store on their own.
Legend was quickly taken to a local hospital with severe injuries and later transferred to Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, where he sadly passed away around 10 p.m.
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The boy’s mother, Jessica Ivey, and his father, Sameule Jenkins, were arrested and charged with felony involuntary manslaughter, felony child neglect, and misdemeanor child neglect, as reported by the Gastonia Police Department just two days after the incident.
Legend Jenkins was fatally struck by an SUV last week. (WJZY)
The parents attended a court hearing on Friday, where they were each given a bond set at $1.5 million, according to WSOC-TV.
“While the Gastonia Police Department expresses its deepest condolences to the family over their tragic loss, the investigation indicated that the children were without supervision when the boy entered the roadway,” the police department stated in a press release. “In such cases, adults must be held accountable for ensuring a safe environment for their children.”
The incident occurred in the 1000 block of West Hudson Boulevard. The SUV was driven by a 76-year-old woman.
Authorities have stated there is no evidence suggesting that the driver was speeding or acted improperly, and no charges have been brought against her as the investigation continues.
Jessica Ivey and Sameule Jenkins have been charged after their 7-year-old boy was fatally struck by an SUV last week as he tried to cross a road in North Carolina. (WJZY)
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A witness named Summer Williams described witnessing the tragic moment, noting that she saw Legend step out in front of the vehicle while his brother attempted to pull him back.
“That caught me off guard,” Williams recounted. She stopped her vehicle, cradled the child, and tried to comfort him as he was still alive at that moment.
“I wanted him to know he wasn’t alone,” Williams shared. “Even now, I still see his face at night.”
The incident took place in the 1000 block of West Hudson Boulevard. (WJZY)
The boy’s father created a GoFundMe page before his arrest, sharing photos of Legend. In one picture, he is wearing a T-shirt that says “#Mama’s Boy.”
“He was definitely a mama’s boy. He was intelligent and creative, always smiling even when he was unwell,” the post reads, mentioning that Legend was about to turn 8 in August.
“He loved all kinds of sports. He was a true fighter, but after being revived nearly twelve times, he unfortunately passed away. WE REQUEST that you send prayers for our family during this heartbreaking time, and any support would be greatly appreciated.”
