Fact Check: Parents jailed after 7-year-old son’s traffic death
What We Know
On May 27, 2023, a tragic incident occurred in Gastonia, North Carolina, where a 7-year-old boy named Legend was fatally struck by a car while attempting to cross a busy road with his 10-year-old brother. The children were reportedly unsupervised and had been allowed to walk home from a nearby grocery store, approximately two blocks away from their home. The parents, Jessica Ivey and Samuele Jenkins, were charged with felony involuntary manslaughter and felony child neglect just two days after the incident (ABC News, NBC News). They are currently being held on a bond of $1.5 million each (NBC News).
The police investigation revealed that the children were crossing the street outside of a designated crosswalk when the accident occurred. Witnesses indicated that Legend stepped into traffic while his brother attempted to hold him back (ABC News, NBC News). The driver of the vehicle, a 76-year-old woman, has not been charged as there was no evidence of speeding or wrongdoing on her part (ABC News, NBC News).
Analysis
The claim that the parents were jailed following their son's death is substantiated by multiple reliable sources. Both ABC News and NBC News reported that Jessica Ivey and Samuele Jenkins were charged with involuntary manslaughter due to their decision to allow their young children to walk home alone, which ultimately led to the tragic accident (ABC News, NBC News). The Gastonia Police Department emphasized the need for adult accountability in ensuring children's safety, which aligns with the charges brought against the parents (ABC News, NBC News).
The sources used in this fact-check are credible news organizations with established reputations for journalistic integrity. ABC News and NBC News have provided consistent and detailed coverage of the incident, including quotes from the parents and eyewitness accounts, which adds depth to the reporting. The information presented is corroborated by police statements and court records, further enhancing the reliability of the claims.
However, it is important to note that the parents have not yet entered a plea, and their legal representatives have not commented extensively on the case (ABC News, NBC News). This aspect highlights the ongoing legal proceedings and the potential for further developments in the case.
Conclusion
The claim that the parents were jailed after their 7-year-old son’s traffic death is True. The evidence clearly indicates that Jessica Ivey and Samuele Jenkins were charged with involuntary manslaughter and are currently held in custody following the tragic incident involving their son. The circumstances surrounding the case, including the parents' decision to allow their children to walk unaccompanied, have led to serious legal repercussions.
