In a tragic turn of events, the parents of 7-year-old Legend Jenkins have been charged following his death in Gastonia, North Carolina. Authorities say the child was struck by a vehicle after running into traffic. This happened while he walked home from a grocery store with his 10-year-old brother.

According to the Gastonia Police Department, the incident occurred last Tuesday when Legend ran into the road and was hit by a Jeep driven by a 76-year-old woman. Police confirmed the driver was not speeding and will not face charges.

Legend’s mother, Jessica Ivey, told WSCOC-TV this was the first time she allowed her sons to walk to the store alone. Both she and the child’s father, Samuele Jenkins, were arrested two days later. The couple is now charged with involuntary manslaughter and child neglect. Their bond was set at $1.5 million each.

A witness, Summer Williams, described the heartbreaking moment she rushed to comfort the boy after the accident. “I just held him and told him he wasn’t alone,” she told WSOC-TV.

Despite efforts to save him, Legend Jenkins died from his injuries at the hospital. Gastonia police extended their sympathies but emphasized that adults must ensure the safety of children, particularly in high-risk situations.

#Clique, what are your thoughts?