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5d ago

Gastonia Parents Held on Manslaughter, Neglect Charges Over Son’s Death

Denied permission to attend their son’s funeral, Jessica Ivey and Samuele Jenkins remain held on $1.5 million bonds; Gastonia police are still investigating the May 27 accident.

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Jessica Ivey (left) and Samuele Jenkins (right).
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Overview

  • Ivey and Jenkins were arrested on May 29 and face felony involuntary manslaughter and child neglect charges after their 7-year-old son, Legend Jenkins, was struck while unsupervised.
  • Legend and his 10-year-old brother were crossing West Hudson Boulevard outside a crosswalk when a Jeep Cherokee driven by a 76-year-old woman hit the boy.
  • Authorities found no evidence of speeding or reckless driving and announced the driver will not face charges.
  • At a May 31 bond hearing, a judge denied the couple’s request to attend their son’s funeral and set bail at $1.5 million per parent.
  • The community has raised over $6,250 for the Jenkins family on GoFundMe, and the Gastonia Police Traffic Division is appealing for additional witnesses.