What began as a simple walk home from the grocery store ended in heartbreak. Now, a North Carolina couple is facing serious charges that have shaken their community.
According to Gastonia police, the couple was charged with involuntary manslaughter, felony child neglect, and misdemeanor child neglect in the death of their son, who died shortly after being taken to the hospital.
The Gastonia Police Department emphasized the importance of parental responsibility in a statement, saying:
“The investigation revealed that the children involved were unsupervised at the time the boy stepped into traffic. In such cases, adults must be held accountable for their responsibilities to ensure a safe environment for their children.”
Legend, a second-grade student at H.H. Beam Elementary School, had attempted to cross the road on May 27, 2025, after leaving a nearby grocery store with his 10-year-old brother when the accident occurred.
In an interview, their mother, Jessica, admitted it was the first time she allowed the boys to walk home alone. She continued:
“It was just devastating. I’m still in shock. It’s hard. I haven’t stopped crying; my husband hasn’t stopped crying.”
Jessica added that she wants justice for her son and expressed frustration at the 76-year-old driver who hit Legend, “Honestly, I want justice for my baby. She shouldn’t still be able to drive,” she said.
Police, however, confirmed that the driver showed no signs of impairment and was not speeding. As a result, no charges have been filed against her.
Witnesses to the incident described a heart-wrenching scene. Summer Williams, who was driving nearby, stopped her car and held Legend in her arms, trying to comfort him as he lay critically injured.
She told reporters, “That shocked me. Even at night, I still see his face. Just letting him know that somebody was there and he wasn’t alone. Stay with us, sweetheart. You’re going to be alright.”
She added, “The children were very young. They shouldn’t have been crossing a busy intersection like that in the first place.”
As the investigation continues, the community has been left grappling with sorrow, disbelief, and anger. Legend’s aunt, Skye Sorrells, also remembered the little boy as “so full of life, wild and free” in a touching tribute online.
While there has been an outpouring of sympathy for the family, authorities have made it clear that they believe the tragedy could have been prevented.
The heartbreaking death of Legend Jenkins serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of momentary decisions and the weight of responsibility parents carry in ensuring their children’s safety.
