7-Year-Old Killed Walking Alone – You Won’t Believe What His Parents Did

In a deeply unsettling case that has gripped the Gastonia community in North Carolina, the parents of 7-year-old Legend Jenkins are facing involuntary manslaughter and child neglect charges following the tragic death of their son, who was hit by a vehicle while walking home from a local grocery store.

The fatal incident occurred on the evening of May 27, when Legend and his 10-year-old brother were returning home unsupervised. According to police reports, Legend attempted to cross the street and was struck by a 76-year-old woman driving through the area. Emergency responders arrived quickly, and the child was rushed to the hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries later that night.

Following an investigation by the Gastonia Police Department, it was determined that the children were left to navigate the busy streets alone, a fact that played a critical role in the charges filed against their parents, Jessica Ivey, 30, and Samuele Jenkins, 31. The Gaston County District Attorney’s Office announced that both parents have been charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter and multiple counts of child neglect, citing a pattern of failure to ensure the children’s safety.

“The facts in this case are heartbreaking,” said a spokesperson for the DA’s office. “This was not an unforeseeable accident. It was preventable. Young children should not be left to walk through busy intersections without adult supervision.”

Authorities noted that the driver who struck Legend immediately stopped, cooperated fully with investigators, and showed no signs of impairment or reckless behavior. She has not been charged, as the incident is not believed to have involved driver negligence.

The parents were arrested shortly after the charges were filed and are each being held on a $1.5 million bond. Court records indicate that they have prior incidents on record involving child protective services, though the nature of those cases has not been publicly disclosed. A judge has denied both parents’ requests to attend their son’s funeral, a decision that has drawn strong reactions across the community and on social media.

Neighbors have since expressed shock and sorrow, describing Legend as a “joyful and polite” child who often played outside with neighborhood kids. A growing memorial of flowers, candles, and handwritten notes now marks the sidewalk where the tragedy occurred.

“This neighborhood has always looked out for its kids,” said one local resident. “But there are limits to what we can do. No child that age should have been walking alone like that.”

The case has prompted renewed discussions around child safety, parental accountability, and community resources for at-risk families. Advocates for child welfare are calling for stronger education and support systems to help prevent similar tragedies.

Jessica Ivey and Samuele Jenkins are scheduled to appear in court later this month. If convicted, they face significant prison time. Meanwhile, the community continues to mourn the life of a boy lost far too soon—and to grapple with the heavy questions left in the wake of his passing.