Legend Jenkins
The tragic death of 7-year-old Legend Jenkins has rocked a North Carolina community, and now, his parents are facing serious criminal charges. Authorities say the child was walking home unsupervised when he was struck and killed by a vehicle on a busy street.
What Happened to Legend Jenkins?
On May 27, 2025, Legend and his 10-year-old brother were walking home from a grocery store in Gastonia when they attempted to cross West Hudson Boulevard not at a crosswalk. That’s when Legend reportedly darted into traffic and was hit by a Jeep Cherokee driven by a 76-year-old woman.
Emergency crews rushed Legend to CaroMont Regional Medical Center before he was transferred to Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte. Despite efforts to save him, the young boy passed away around 10 p.m. that evening.
Parents Face Felony Charges
Just two days later, on May 29, Gastonia Police arrested Legend’s parents, Jessica Ivey, 30, and Samuele Jenkins, 31. Both were charged with:
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Felony involuntary manslaughter
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Felony child neglect
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Misdemeanor child neglect
Investigators say the charges stem from the parents’ decision to let their children walk alone along a dangerous, high-traffic road without adult supervision.
At their first court appearance on May 30, the judge set each parent’s bond at $1.5 million and denied their request to attend Legend’s funeral. The court advised them to discuss the matter further with legal counsel.
No Charges for Driver
Police determined that the elderly woman behind the wheel was not at fault. She remained at the scene, cooperated fully, and showed no signs of speeding or impairment. Investigators concluded that the crash was a tragic accident.
6 thoughts on “7-Year-Old Legend Jenkins Killed While Walking Home — Parents Charged With Manslaughter”
What has happened with the dumbing down of our society? It use to be that kids that age were riding bikes with no helmet, walking to school, a store, etc. To charge these parents is ridiculous & another example of a horrible legal system.
THIS!!!
Amen! Preach 🙌🏽🗣️
This is ridiculous! Why wasn’t the driver charged and held accountable? Kids can’t cross the street? There are pediatrician laws!
The $1.5 million bond is egregious and ridiculous, and not letting them attend their child’s funeral is simply spiteful. Bond is not meant to be a punishment, yet that is clearly it is being used for. These people are not a danger to their community, and I highly doubt they are a flight risk. Seems that the judge has already decided they are guilty of these highly specious charges, due process de damned!
A tragedy for certain, but hardly seems like a double felony.