Caleb Kennedy, Former “American Idol” Contestant, Sentenced to Eight Years for DUI Crash That Killed Man
Country music singer Caleb Kennedy, who gained national attention as a finalist on "American Idol," has been sentenced to eight years in prison following a DUI crash in February 2022 that resulted in the death of 54-year-old Larry Duane Parris. Kennedy, now 20, pleaded guilty to felony driving under the influence, with the court reducing his original sentence of 25 years to eight years, alongside a fine of $15,100. Three years of his sentence will be served on home detention, and he will also undergo five years of probation.
The tragic incident occurred when Kennedy, driving his Ford F-150 under the influence of marijuana, veered into Parris’s driveway, fatally injuring him while he was speaking on the phone. The crash followed Kennedy’s use of a vape pen shortly before driving.
Prosecutor Barry J. Barnette highlighted the case’s illustration of the dangers associated with vape pens. Alongside his prison sentence, Kennedy is prohibited from contacting the victim’s family and must attend counseling for mental health and substance abuse. He will also face random drug and alcohol testing as mandated by the court.
Kennedy had previously made headlines in 2021 when he finished in the Top 5 of the 19th season of “American Idol.” His stint on the show ended abruptly after a controversial Snapchat post featuring him with someone in a Ku Klux Klan hood resurfaced. Kennedy later expressed remorse for the incident in a now-deleted Instagram post, emphasizing his intent to take time off social media for personal growth and to regain public trust.
This outcome marks a significant turning point in Kennedy’s career, highlighting the serious repercussions of impaired driving.
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