Caleb Kennedy, a contestant from Season 19 of “American Idol,” has been sentenced following his guilty plea to driving under the influence, according to Us Weekly. Kennedy, now 20, was arrested and charged with a felony DUI in South Carolina in February 2022 after a fatal car accident involving a 54-year-old man. At the time of the incident, Kennedy was 17 years old and driving a Ford pickup truck that veered 175 yards off the road, striking a garage where Larry Duane Parris was working in Spartanburg, S.C.
Parris was pronounced dead at the hospital three hours after the crash, which occurred at 12:30 p.m. On Monday, Kennedy pleaded guilty during his hearing, as reported by local CBS affiliate WSPA. The outlet stated that Kennedy was initially sentenced to 25 years in prison and a $25,100 fine, but this was reduced to eight years and a $15,000 fee. Kennedy will serve three years under home detention and will then be on probation for five years after his release.
The singer will also undergo mental health and substance abuse counseling. A representative from the 7th Circuit Solicitor’s office in Spartanburg confirmed that a plea deal was made before the case went to trial. “This case highlights the dangers of vape pens to society,” said Solicitor Barry J. Barnette, who prosecuted Kennedy.
Reports indicate that Kennedy’s dose of Prozac had been increased shortly before the crash, and he was driving under the influence of marijuana after using a vape pen. Kennedy’s attorney, Ryan Beasley, expressed deep remorse on his client’s behalf, stating that Kennedy is “very remorseful and extends his heartfelt sympathies to the Parris family.” Beasley also noted that Kennedy was a minor at the time of the accident and that the incident was a result of a “weird reaction from his prescription medicine and possibly THC.”
Parris, the founder of Parris Construction Company, was remembered in his obituary. Following the crash, Parris’ wife Donna and daughter Kelsi made an emotional plea during a virtual court hearing for Kennedy, asking the judge to deny his bond. “He killed my dad, point-blank,” Kelsi said, expressing her grief.
During Season 19 of “American Idol,” Kennedy had to leave the competition early, despite making it to the final five, after a racially insensitive video from his past surfaced online. In the video, Kennedy was seen with a friend wearing a hood similar to those worn by the Ku Klux Klan. Kennedy apologized on Instagram, stating that the actions in the video were not meant to be taken in that way and that he was younger and did not think about the consequences.
The judges on “American Idol,” Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan, expressed their support for Kennedy despite his departure from the show. Richie noted that losing great talent is always difficult, while Bryan emphasized the panel’s love for the contestants and their growth as artists.
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