Parents charged in death of 7-year-old hit by car in North Carolina
GASTONIA, N.C. (WJBF) – The Gastonia Police Department has filed criminal charges against the parents of a 7-year-old boy who died after being struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross the road on last Tuesday evening.
Parents, Jessica Ivey and Samuele Jenkins, have been charged with Felony Involuntary Manslaughter, Felony Child Neglect, and Misdemeanor Child Neglect.
On Tuesday, May 27th, at approximately 5:55 p.m., officers responded to a reported traffic collision.
Upon arrival, police found that a 7-year-old boy had been struck by a Jeep Cherokee being driven by a 76-year-woman.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the child was attempting to cross the street outside of a crosswalk with another 10-year-old boy, when he entered the roadway and was hit.
The child was initially transported the hospital here he later died.
In a Facebook post the Gastonia P.D. said, 'While the Gastonia Police Department offers its deepest sympathies to the family for the heartbreaking loss of their child, 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.'
At this time, there is no evidence of speeding or wrongdoing on the part of the driver, therefore no charges have been filed. The driver continues to be cooperative and the incident remains under active investigation by the Gastonia Police Department's Traffic Division.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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