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Gastonia Parents Face Manslaughter Charges After Child’s Death
Gastonia, NC – Tragedy struck a local family on May 27th when 7-year-old Legend Jenkins was fatally injured after being hit by a vehicle. Two days later, the child’s parents, Jessica Ivey and Samuele Jenkins, were arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter.
The incident occurred after Ms. Ivey allowed Legend and his 10-year-old brother to walk unsupervised from a nearby grocery store to meet their father.
The children were attempting to cross a busy four-lane road outside of a designated crosswalk when Legend stepped into traffic. His older brother tried to pull him back, but was unable to prevent the accident.
Mr. Jenkins was reportedly on the phone with his older son at the time of the incident.
The driver of the Jeep, a 76-year-old, will not face charges. Police have stated that there is no evidence of speeding or wrongdoing on the part of the driver.
The parents are currently being held on $1.5 million bond. Gastonia police stated that adults must be held accountable for ensuring their children’s safety.
While Ms. Ivey has stated that this was the first time she allowed the children to walk alone, the investigation remains ongoing.
The parents’ public defenders have not yet commented on the case.