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Former American Idol Contestant Caleb Kennedy Sentenced to 8 Years for Fatal DUI Crash
Nov
Caleb Kennedy, a country singer and finalist on season 19 of American Idol, has been sentenced to eight years in prison following a DUI crash that resulted in the death of Larry Duane Parris in 2022. The sentencing, handed down earlier this week in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, follows Kennedy’s guilty plea to a felony charge of driving under the influence resulting in death.
The Incident and Investigation
The crash occurred on February 8, 2022, when Kennedy, then 17, was driving under the influence of marijuana via a vape pen. According to authorities, Kennedy lost control of his Ford pickup truck and crashed into a garage, striking 54-year-old Larry Duane Parris, who later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.
Kennedy’s plea agreement reduced his initial 25-year sentence to eight years in prison, with five additional years of probation. He was also fined $15,100 and will be subject to random drug testing and mental health counseling.
Statements from the Case
Prosecutor Barry J. Barnette highlighted the broader implications of the case, stating, “This case shows the dangers of vape pens to society.”
Kennedy’s attorney, Ryan Beasley, emphasized that his client’s actions were not premeditated or the result of reckless alcohol consumption, a common factor in fatal DUI cases. “This wasn’t such an egregious act that you see most of the time,” Beasley said, suggesting the crash may have been influenced by a “weird reaction” to Kennedy’s prescription medication combined with THC.
Beasley also expressed sympathy for the victim’s family, adding, “A very good person died, and I feel so bad for the Parris family. Caleb’s very remorseful… This sentencing starts the healing process for everybody involved.”
Kennedy’s Career and Past Controversy
Kennedy gained national attention in 2021 as a top-five contestant on American Idol. However, his rise to fame was cut short when he withdrew from the competition after a video surfaced showing him in a hood many believed resembled Ku Klux Klan imagery.
In an Instagram statement at the time, Kennedy apologized, stating, “I was younger and did not think about the actions, but that’s not an excuse.” He expressed regret for disappointing fans and pledged to better himself.
A Troubling Chapter
Kennedy’s case is a stark reminder of the consequences of impaired driving and the long-lasting impact on victims and their families. While his sentencing brings some closure, the incident remains a tragic chapter in the young singer’s life and the lives of those affected.
Kennedy, now 20, will serve his sentence as he seeks to rebuild his life after his release.
