GASTONIA, N.C. — The parents of a seven-year-old boy killed while crossing a Gastonia street faced a judge on Friday.
Sameule and Jessica Jenkins were charged in connection with the death of their son.
Legend Jenkins and his 10-year-old brother were walking across West Hudson Boulevard Tuesday night when the little boy stepped into traffic, police said. The driver who hit him won’t be charged.
The couple were each charged with felony involuntary manslaughter and child neglect.
In court, the parents asked the judge if they could attend their son’s memorial service.
The judge told them to consult their attorneys before giving the stiffest bond possible, $1.5 million for each.
A witness told Channel 9’s Ken Lemon that Legend stepped out in front of a car as his brother tried to pull him back.
“That shocked me,” said witness Summer Williams.
Williams said she stopped her car and held the child in her arms.
“Even at night, I still see his face,” Williams recalled.
She said she rubbed him and tried to comfort the 7-year-old. At that time, he was still alive.
“Just letting him know that somebody was there and he wasn’t alone. Stay with us, sweetheart. You’re going to be alright. Stay with us,” Williams said.
Legend later died at an area hospital.
On Wednesday, the mother told Channel 9 it was the first time she allowed her sons to walk to the nearby grocery store.
Police said that was a deadly decision by people trusted to protect them.
“The children were very young. They shouldn’t have been crossing a busy intersection like that in the first place,” said Williams.
While it is unlikely that Sameule and Jessica Jenkins will get out on bond by Tuesday, the sheriff’s office could escort them to the funeral.
However, that required permission from a judge, as well as the sheriff’s discretion.
VIDEO: ‘Just devastating’: 7-year-old boy hit and killed near Gastonia grocery store
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