Parents Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter After 7-Year-Old Legend Jenkins Killed by Car in Gastonia, North Carolina

GASTONIA, N.C. — The Gastonia community is mourning the tragic loss of 7-year-old Legend Jenkins, who was struck and killed by a vehicle on May 27, 2025. Following the heartbreaking incident, Legend’s parents, Jessica Ivey and Samuele Jenkins, have been charged with felony involuntary manslaughter, felony child neglect, and misdemeanor child neglect.

According to the Gastonia Police Department, the charges stem from the parents’ decision to allow Legend and his 10-year-old brother to walk home alone from a Food Lion grocery store located two blocks from their residence. Authorities say this was the first time the parents permitted the children to cross the street unsupervised.

The fatal crash occurred when Legend attempted to cross a busy, four-lane street outside of a designated crosswalk. He was struck by a Jeep Cherokee driven by a 76-year-old woman. The driver is not facing any charges, as police determined she was not at fault.

Witnesses told WSOC-TV that Legend stepped into traffic as his older brother tried to hold him back. Samuele Jenkins recalled the moment he learned of the crash during a phone call with his sons. “I heard my oldest son say, ‘Oh my God, Legend, no, no,’” he said. “I hung up and ran to find them.”

Legend was rushed to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries but tragically passed away.

Two days after the accident, police arrested Jessica Ivey and Samuele Jenkins. Both are being held without bond and are scheduled to appear in court on June 20, 2025.

This tragedy has sparked renewed calls from child safety advocates and local officials urging parents to supervise young children closely, especially near busy roads.

The family has requested privacy during this difficult time as the community continues to grieve the loss of young Legend Jenkins.