Caleb Kennedy Sentenced to Prison for DUI Death of South Carolina Man
Former American Idol contestant Caleb Kennedy has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to felony DUI in connection with a deadly crash in South Carolina. Kennedy, 20, was sentenced to 8 years in prison and fined $15,100. He will also serve five years of probation and undergo random drug testing and mental health counseling.
The crash occurred on February 8, 2022, when Kennedy, under the influence of marijuana from a vape pen, crashed his Ford pickup into a garage, striking and killing 54-year-old Larry Duane Parris. Parris was pronounced dead at the hospital three hours later.
Kennedy’s attorney expressed his client’s remorse, and Kennedy personally offered condolences to the Parris family. Solicitor Barry J. Barnette, who prosecuted the case, emphasized the dangers of vape pens contributing to impaired driving. Kennedy, who had gained fame as a finalist on American Idol in 2021, had his career cut short after a controversial video surfaced, leading to his departure from the show.
This case highlights the devastating consequences of driving under the influence and the tragic loss of life that can result.