On May 27, 2025, in Gastonia, North Carolina, seven-year-old Legend Jenkins was fatally struck by a Jeep Cherokee while crossing a busy four-lane street with his 10-year-old brother, unsupervised by adults. The boys had left home to meet their father at a nearby grocery store when the accident occurred outside a designated crosswalk just before 6:00 p.m. Authorities subsequently charged the parents, Jessica Ivey and Samuele Jenkins, with felony involuntary manslaughter and child neglect, citing the children’s unsupervised status at the time. The 76-year-old driver of the vehicle was found not to be at fault and will face no charges. The incident has raised community concerns about parental supervision and child safety on busy roadways.
The tragic incident occurred on the evening of May 27, 2025, when seven-year-old Legend Jenkins and his 10-year-old brother left their home in Gastonia, North Carolina, with the intention of meeting their father at a nearby grocery store. The children were walking along a busy four-lane street, but were not accompanied or supervised by any adults at the time. According to police reports, the boys attempted to cross the street outside a designated crosswalk just before 6:00 p.m., when Legend was struck by a Jeep Cherokee driven by a 76-year-old local resident.
Emergency responders arrived promptly at the scene, but despite efforts to save him, Legend Jenkins succumbed to his injuries. The driver, after cooperating fully with law enforcement, was determined not to be at fault in the accident. Investigators concluded that the primary factor contributing to this tragedy was the children’s unsupervised presence near the hazardous road.
Charges Against the Parents
Following a thorough investigation, authorities charged Legend’s parents, Jessica Ivey and Samuele Jenkins, with felony involuntary manslaughter and child neglect. The charges are based on the assessment that the parents failed to provide adequate supervision and protection for their young children in a dangerous environment.
The charges highlight the legal responsibilities parents have to ensure the safety of their children, especially when navigating potentially hazardous areas such as busy streets. Legal experts note that involuntary manslaughter charges in such cases generally indicate that an individual’s negligent actions or omissions contributed to an unintended death.
Community Response and Safety Concerns
The incident has prompted a wave of concern among Gastonia residents regarding child safety on busy roadways and the importance of parental supervision. Local community leaders have called for increased public awareness initiatives aimed at educating parents about the dangers children face near traffic and the critical need for vigilance.
In addition to public education, some residents advocate for enhanced safety measures, including the installation of additional crosswalks, improved street lighting, and traffic calming devices to reduce vehicle speeds in residential areas frequented by children.
Next Steps and Legal Proceedings
The legal process involving Jessica Ivey and Samuele Jenkins is ongoing, with upcoming court dates scheduled to determine further actions and potential penalties. Meanwhile, authorities continue to emphasize the importance of community cooperation to prevent similar tragedies.
The family and community are expected to receive resources for grief counseling and support services to help cope with the emotional aftermath of the incident.
The fatal accident involving seven-year-old Legend Jenkins has underscored the critical importance of parental supervision and child safety near busy roadways. With the parents now facing serious legal charges, the case highlights the consequences of negligence in safeguarding children. Community leaders and residents are advocating for enhanced safety measures and increased public education to prevent future tragedies. As legal proceedings continue, efforts are underway to provide support and counseling to the affected family and the broader community, emphasizing a collective commitment to protecting children in Gastonia moving forward.
