‘American Idol’ Caleb Kennedy’s Sentence Reduced In Killing Of SC Dad

Caleb Kennedy, a former contestant on American Idol, has been given a reduced sentence on a felony DUI charge. Beforehand, Kennedy faced 25 years in prison. This comes out nearly three years after the Idol alum struck and killed a South Carolina father.

The American Idol Alum’s Truck Hit A Garage Back In 2022

Kennedy previously appeared on American Idol during the 19th season. During this time, he made it to the Top 5 until he was removed from the show.

Back in 2022, Kennedy’s Ford pickup truck ventured 175 yards off the road. Hitting a garage, the then-17-year-old struck a 54-year-old father, Larry Duane Parris. Three hours after the incident, Parris was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The former American Idol contestant initially faced 25 years in prison with a fine of $25,100. The case was expected to go to trial, but Kennedy pled guilty on November 18 to a felony charge of driving under the influence resulting in death.

Kennedy’s sentence has now been reduced to eight years in prison with a fine of $15,100. In addition, he must also serve five years of probation and attend counseling for mental health and substance abuse.

According to FOX Carolina, Kennedy’s defense claimed he was given an increase of Prozac shortly before the incident. The Greenville News also claimed, according to warrants, that he was under the influence of marijuana after using a vape pen.

Kennedy Will Receive Credit For Time Already Served

The latter publication also shared a statement from Kennedy’s attorney Ryan Beasley. As he shared, “A very good person 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.”

“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.”

As noted by People, Parris’ family, including his wife Donna and daughter Kelsi, appeared during Kennedy’s virtual court hearing. At the time, they asked the judge to deny Kennedy bond. As noted by The State, Kelsi was quoted saying, “I see my daddy laying in his own shop, moaning and groaning, with a stranger not even calling 911.”

“He killed my dad, point-blank. I wish I could pay a little bit of money or a lot of money to have my daddy back.”

Kennedy will receive credit for the near three years he has already served. In addition, three years of his sentence are expected to be served as home detention. This means he will only serve around a year behind bars.

As mentioned, Kennedy appeared on American Idol back in 2021. At the time, controversy broke out when a video of him surfaced that had him with a friend wearing an outfit that resembled a Ku Klux Klan hood.

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