2 weeks Ago By Hollie Beale
A former American Idol contestant has been sentenced for causing the death of a married man while driving under the influence. Caleb Kennedy was handed a jail sentence two years after the 2022 incident in South Carolina , where he lost control of his truck. At the time, the then 17-year-old country singer's vehicle veered into a private driveway.
American Idol alum Clay Aiken slams current judges for being too nice American Idol's Luke Bryan gives Carrie Underwood verdict and exposes her flaw Tragically, 54-year-old Larry Duane Parris was struck by the vehicle while standing outside his home workshop. The force of the impact propelled Parris into the shop. He was discovered by his daughter and declared dead at a local hospital three hours later.
Now aged 20, Kennedy pleaded guilty to driving under the influence resulting in death. Kennedy received a 25-year prison sentence and a $25,100 fine. However, the sentence was reduced to eight years and $15,100, as reported by WSPA.
In addition to his sentence, Kennedy is required to undergo mental health and substance abuse counseling. DON'T MISS..
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Prosecutor Barry J. Barnette highlighted the societal dangers of vape pens in a statement to Entertainment Weekly while discussing this case. Ryan Beasley, the singer's attorney, told Greenville News: "He's got no record, and he was a minor when this happened.
"This wasn't such an egregious act that you see most of the time, where people were drinking and driving then they hit somebody at night or going the wrong way down the road. This was a weird reaction from his prescription medicine and possibly THC." He further expressed: "A very good person (Larry Parris) died, and I feel so bad for the Parris family.
Caleb's very remorseful and his heartfelt sympathies are extended to the Parris family. This sentencing starts the healing process for everybody involved in this situation.".
