Latest news with #JessicaJenkins
The Sun
5 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Parents arrested for letting boy, 7, walk home ‘unattended' as mom insists it was first time she let him outside alone
A MOM and dad have been arrested after their 7-year-son was fatally struck by an SUV while walking home "unattended" from a store. They were charged with involuntary manslaughter after leaving little Legend Jenkins unsupervised, said cops. 4 4 Gastonia Police said that a Jeep Cherokee driving by a 76-year-old woman hit Legend at about 6 pm last Tuesday. The second-grader had been crossing a road while walking with his brother, 10, in Gastonia, North Carolina. A passing driver said she has been haunted by his death after she stopped to help the seriously injured boy. Summer Williams said she held him in her arms until the ambulance arrived, reported the New York Post. But he died four hours later that night in hospital. His mother, Jessica Jenkins, told Gaston Gazette that "sweet" Legend was a "mama's boy" who enjoyed sports. The mom said it was the first time she had let her children cross that street alone, "and someone killed him." She accused the SUV driver of "taking somebody's baby - she doesn't need to be out here driving." Legend's dad, Sameule Jenkins said he was in "shock." The distraught man said his boy had enjoyed playing "everything ― soccer, football, basketball, he just never got a chance to flourish." Indy 500 driver ploughs into his pit crew and injures four team members He added, "My son didn't deserve this. I wish I was there to protect him." The Gastonia Police Department said last Thursday that cops have filed criminal charges against them both. "Both parents have been charged with felony involuntary manslaughter, felony child neglect, and misdemeanor child neglect," it added. 4 4 The police said that last Tuesday, "at approximately 5:55 p.m., officers responded to a reported traffic collision in the 1000 block of West Hudson Boulevard. "Upon arrival, police found that a 7-year-old juvenile male had been struck by a Jeep Cherokee being driven by a 76-year female driver. "The preliminary investigation revealed that the child was attempting to cross the street outside of a crosswalk with another juvenile male, aged 10, when he entered the roadway and was hit." UNSUPERVISED Legend was initially taken to CaroMont Regional Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. But he was later transferred to Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte. The police said, "Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead near 10 pm." In regards to the double arrest, it added, "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." SUV DRIVER Witness to the collision, Summer Williams said she had seen Legend dash out on to the road, as his older brother desperately tried to hold him back. She added, "Even at night, I still see his (Legend's) face." Cops confirmed that the SUV driver has not been arrested. The statement said, "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. "Anyone who witnessed the crash or may have relevant information is urged to contact Corporal Carpenter with the Gastonia Police Department at 704-866-6702."
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Parents CHARGED after son they allowed to walk home alone is hit and killed by a car
A pair of North Carolina parents have been charged with manslaughter for allowing their seven-year-old son to walk home with his older brother, a decision judges say cost him his life. Legend Jenkins was killed on Tuesday after darting out into traffic in Gastonia. He was walking home from the grocery store with his older brother. The driver, an unidentified 76-year-old woman, stayed at the scene. She has not been charged - but the boy's parents, Sameule and Jessica Jenkins, have. Prosecutors say they are guilty of involuntary manslaughter and child neglect. The pair are now in jail, and were recently denied a request to attend the boy's funeral. Authorities said the older brother tried to pull Legend back from the road, but was too late. Summer Williams, a witness to the crash, told local outlet WSOC she tried to comfort the young boy as they waited for emergency responders. 'Just letting him know that somebody was there and he wasn't alone,' she told the outlet. 'Stay with us, sweetheart. You're going to be alright. Stay with us.'' 'Even at night, I still see his face,' Williams added. 'The children were very young. They shouldn't have been crossing a busy intersection like that in the first place,' said Williams. Legend was first rushed to a local hospital and later transferred to a children's facility in Charlotte. He succumbed to his injuries four hours later. Police said the driver is not expected to face charges. There is no evidence she was speeding or driving recklessly. '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,' police wrote in a statement on Facebook. '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 statement continued. 'The driver continues to be cooperative and the incident remains under active investigation by the Gastonia Police Department's Traffic Division. Before her arrest, Ivey, the boy's mother, told the Gaston Gazette the store was close by and it was the first time she had ever let the boys walk home on their own. At a bond hearing Friday, both parents asked to be released so they could attend their son's funeral. The judge denied the request and set bail at $1.5 million each A fundraiser has been set up by the boy's family. The GoFundMe has since raised $6,250 raised of its $10K goal. 'My baby was only 7 about to be 8 in august and he was tragically killed by a car accident right outside of his neighborhood. 'He was a mommas boy up and down. He was smart, creative, and even if he was ill would always keep a smile,' his parents wrote in the description. 'He loved playing any sports. He was truly a warrior, but after being revived close to twelve times he unfortunately passed away at. 'WE ASK that y'all send prayers for our family in this time of heartbreak and if you wish to give, anything would be very grateful.'
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Over $16 million in federal funds going to local housing projects
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded over $16 million to support projects in Montgomery County. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] There are 26 projects in Montgomery County that are aiming to improve housing stability. TRENDING STORIES: Bird flu outbreak: Additional 3.8 million chickens, turkeys test positive in Miami Valley Firefighter arrested on prostitution, drug charges Ohio State celebrates national championship run amid change and farewells 'These awards will help our community assist citizens exiting homelessness and support coordinated entry housing programs and our Homeless Management Information System,' said County Commission President Judy Dodge. 'Our county's Continuum of Care works tirelessly to end homelessness and support affordable housing options. All our citizens deserve a safe place to live.' The grant money is from the Continuum of Care for the Homeless Awards, and will go to the City of Dayton, Daybreak, Eastway, Homefull, Miami Valley Housing Opportunities, Montgomery County, St. Vincent de Paul and the YWCA of Dayton. 'We appreciate the dedication of all our Continuum of Care partners who are working to address this issue and support people experiencing homelessness in our community,' said Jessica Jenkins, Director of Human Services Planning and Development. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
