Parents accused in the death of 7-year-old in car crash

The parents of a 7-year-old child who tragically died after being hit by a car have been charged with involuntary manslaughter. The incident occurred as the child and his 10-year-old brother were allowed to walk home from a nearby grocery store in Gastonia, North Carolina, unaccompanied by an adult. The parents, Jessica Ivey and Samuele Jenkins, were charged a couple of days after their son, Legend, passed away. The driver, a 76-year-old, will not face any charges. The parents recounted that the children were with their mother when they requested to meet their father at the store, and were allowed to leave. The boys attempted to cross a busy road, going between crosswalks, when the accident happened. Jenkins, the father, expressed his shock and recounted how he heard his elder son yell to try and stop Legend before the accident had occurred. The parents have been arrested and are currently in custody on a $1.5 million bond. The police stated that in such cases, adults must be accountable for ensuring a safe environment for their children. The driver involved in the incident is reported to be cooperating with the investigation, and no charges have been filed against them. This incident continues to be actively investigated by the Gastonia Police Department’s Traffic Division. The parents have not made any comments since their arrest, while witnesses to the tragedy expressed deep sorrow and provided comfort to the child until medical assistance arrived at the scene.