“Adults Must Be Held Accountable”: Parents Charged After 7-Year-Old Boy Killed Crossing Street Alone

Tragedy struck in Gastonia, North Carolina, on Tuesday evening when a 7-year-old boy was fatally struck by a vehicle while crossing the street unsupervised. Now, the boy’s parents are facing serious charges, as authorities emphasize the importance of adult responsibility.

According to Gastonia police, the young boy was attempting to cross the road at night, outside of a crosswalk, when he was hit by an SUV. Investigators say the child was not being supervised at the time and was accompanied only by his 10-year-old brother.

Following a police investigation, the boy’s parents, 30-year-old Jessica Ivey and 31-year-old Samuele Jenkins, have been charged with felony involuntary manslaughter, felony child neglect, and misdemeanor child neglect.

“Adults must be held accountable for their responsibilities,” authorities stated, stressing that parents and guardians have a duty to ensure children are kept in safe environments. Investigators confirmed that the lack of supervision played a significant role in the circumstances leading to the child’s death.

No other injuries were reported in the crash, and the driver of the SUV has not been charged as of now. The investigation remains ongoing. The local community has responded to the heartbreaking loss with an outpouring of grief and support.

A growing memorial of balloons and flowers now marks the site of the crash, as neighbors and passersby pay tribute to the young boy. While many in the community are mourning the tragedy, the incident has also sparked conversation about the responsibilities of parents, especially when it comes to child supervision and safety near roads.

The charges against Ivey and Jenkins reflect a broader message from law enforcement: that adult guardians are ultimately accountable for preventing avoidable tragedies. The case continues to unfold as court proceedings move forward.

For now, the Gastonia neighborhood remains in mourning as loved ones and strangers alike grieve the senseless loss of a child whose life ended far too soon.

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