The parents of a 7-year-old boy who was fatally struck by a car in North Carolina have been charged with involuntary manslaughter. Jessica Ivey and Samuele Jenkins were arrested two days after their son, Legend, died from injuries sustained in the accident on May 27 in Gastonia, a town located west of Charlotte.

Legend was hit by a Jeep Cherokee while attempting to cross a busy street with his 10-year-old brother. The boys were reportedly walking home from a nearby grocery store, which is just two blocks from their residence. According to police, the children were unsupervised at the time of the incident.

Witnesses described the tragic moment when Legend stepped into traffic. Summer Williams, who was in her car at the time, recalled, "I saw him jump into the street, and his brother tried to hold him back." She added that she comforted Legend until paramedics arrived, saying, "Stay with us, sweetheart. You’re going to be all right."

The Gastonia Police Department stated that the investigation revealed the children were not accompanied by an adult. As a result, Ivey and Jenkins face charges of felony involuntary manslaughter, felony child neglect, and misdemeanor child neglect. They are currently being held on a $1.5 million bond.

During a court appearance, a judge set the bond amount, and the parents remain in custody at the Gaston County Jail. They have not yet entered a plea regarding the charges. Ivey expressed her devastation in an interview prior to her arrest, stating, "It was just devastating. I’m still in shock. I haven’t stopped crying. My husband hasn’t stopped crying. Honestly, I want justice for my baby."

The 76-year-old driver of the Jeep has not been charged. Police indicated that there is no evidence of speeding or wrongdoing on her part. The driver is cooperating with the ongoing investigation, which is being conducted by the Gastonia Police Department’s Traffic Division.

Jenkins was on the phone with his sons when the accident occurred. He recounted hearing his older son yell, "Legend, no!" before he rushed to the scene. The parents are scheduled to appear in court again on June 20.