Why Is 17-Year-Old ‘American Idol’ Caleb Kennedy On Suicide Watch?
![Why Is 17-Year-Old 'American Idol' Caleb Kennedy On Suicide Watch? [Credit: YouTube]](https://tvshowsace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Why-17-Year-Old-American-Idol-Caleb-Kennedy-On-Suicide-Watch.jpg)
American Idol alum Caleb Kennedy is currently on suicide watch. The 17-year-old is in jail for his DUI arrest. He allegedly ran over a man in his driveway and killed him. His lawyer spoke out about his status.
Kennedy has had his third court hearing in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Meanwhile, a Circuit Court judge is not offering a bond. The teenager tested positive for marijuana at the time of his arrest. However, the full toxicology report could take up to two months to show the results.
Caleb Kennedy remains in jail
If Kennedy gets convicted, he could end up in jail for 25 years along with a $25,000 fine. The former American Idol contestant is still at the Spartanburg County Detention Center on bond. He’d held on the account of a charge of a felony DUI that involved the death of a man. Kennedy’s attorney, Ryan Beasley, shared a statement with The Sun.
“Caleb is a minor with no record and by all accounts had an adverse reaction to a prescribed drug during the middle of the day on the way to see his girlfriend,” the American Idol’s lawyer said.
Kennedy’s lawyer finds this situation “very frustrating.” The toxicology report can take months to reveal what happened during the accident. It could range anywhere from two to six months. The court is dealing with a backlog of toxicology reports due to the pandemic.
“He wasn’t out late at night partying, drinking, and running from the cops. Caleb has done nothing but express remorse and sorrow for the Parris family every time I speak to him.”
Kennedy’s lawyer also revealed that he’s saying prayers for the family. He’s sorry for the pain he’s caused them. It’s brought him pain as well. The former American Idol contestant is now on suicide watch because of the ongoing situation.
![American Idol Caleb Kennedy On Suicide Watch [Credit: YouTube]](https://tvshowsace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/American-Idol-Caleb-Kennedy-Suicide-Watch.jpg)
Former American Idol star on suicide watch
According to Kennedy’s lawyer, he’s felt suicidal. He’s been struggling with his mental health. Kennedy has replayed the events of the accident in his mind. The AI alum must remain in jail until his scheduled court appearance for April 14.
“He also continues to exhibit the same symptoms of blackouts and dizziness while in jail that he exhibited at the time of the accident.”
According to the police report, Kennedy’s victim “had broken legs and couldn’t breathe.” The incident took place on February 8, 2022, around 12:30 p.m. Kennedy was meeting with a friend at Walmart, where he took a hit of marijuana from his vape pen, according to local outlets. Later, he drove down a 175-foot private driveway, where he hit and killed the man upon impact.
The father-of-one was sent to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. Kennedy was a contestant on American Idol in 2020. However, he was dismissed from the singing competition after photos of him posing with a friend in a Ku Klux Klan-style hood. The American Idol fan-favorite was not prepared for the sudden fame.
“There’s no way to emotionally prepare for Idol. Because no one is ready for it, no matter how you prepare,” Kennedy said in an interview with the Spartanburg Herald-Journal. “But I don’t regret it, and I did love it.”
Check back with TV Shows Ace for more news on American Idol.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health problems, contact the National Suicide Preventation Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
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