GASTONIA, NORTH CAROLINA — The parents of a 7-year-old boy who was struck and killed by a car while walking home from a nearby grocery store have been charged with involuntary manslaughter, sparking community debate over parental responsibility, child safety, and legal accountability in the wake of tragedy.
Jessica Ivey and Samuele Jenkins were arrested on May 29, just two days after their son, Legend, died from injuries sustained when he was hit by a Jeep while crossing a four-lane road near their home. The incident occurred in the rural town of Gastonia, where the local Food Lion grocery store is just two blocks away from their residence.
According to the Gaston Gazette, the boys had initially accompanied their mother to the store but asked for permission to walk ahead to meet their father. She agreed — a decision she now says she regrets deeply.
A Child’s Death, a Community Shaken
Witnesses told WSOC-TV that the children attempted to cross the street outside of designated crosswalks. In a harrowing moment, 10-year-old brother tried to pull Legend back from stepping into oncoming traffic — but it was too late.
Jenkins recounted being on the phone with his older son when the crash occurred.
“I heard my oldest son yell, ‘Legend, no!’ so I hung up and ran. I just ran to find them,” he told reporters.
A bystander, Summer Williams, was in her car nearby and saw the incident unfold.
“Even at night, I still see his face,” she said. “Just letting him know that somebody was there and he wasn’t alone. ‘Stay with us, sweetheart. You’re going to be all right. Stay with us.’”
Legend later died from his injuries.
Parents Face Charges, Driver Cleared
The driver of the Jeep, a 76-year-old local resident, will not face charges. Gastonia Police said there was no evidence of speeding or wrongdoing on the driver’s part, and that he has remained fully cooperative during the ongoing investigation.
However, law enforcement took the rare step of charging the parents with involuntary manslaughter, citing a failure to ensure the children’s safety.
“In such cases, adults must be held accountable for their responsibilities to ensure a safe environment for their children,” police said in a public statement.
Ivey and Jenkins are currently being held on $1.5 million bond each. Their public defenders have not responded to media inquiries.
Before her arrest, Ivey gave an emotional interview, expressing remorse and shock.
“It was just devastating, I’m still in shock. I haven’t stopped crying; my husband hasn’t stopped crying,” she said. “Honestly, I want justice for my baby.”
A Legal and Ethical Crossroads
The case has ignited difficult questions for residents and observers alike. Should parents be criminally liable for tragic decisions made in moments of trust or convenience? When does a tragic accident cross the line into negligence?
While laws regarding child supervision vary by state, North Carolina does not specify a minimum legal age for children to walk alone — often leaving such decisions to parental discretion.
Child safety advocates stress that busy roads, even in seemingly quiet neighborhoods, can pose deadly risks.
“This case is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly everyday decisions can turn fatal,” said one safety policy expert familiar with state regulations. “It also highlights how criminal justice systems handle grief, blame, and prevention very differently.”
