Caleb Kennedy Sentenced for DUI Related Death

Caleb Kennedy, a former contestant on 'American Idol', has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a fatal DUI incident that occurred in February 2022, where he struck and killed 54-year-old Larry Duane Parris in South Carolina. Initially facing a 25-year sentence, Kennedy's plea on November 18 led to a reduced sentence of eight years and a $15,100 fine, with three years to be served in home detention. He will also undergo five years of probation and mandatory counseling for mental health and substance abuse issues. Toxicology reports indicated that Kennedy had marijuana and Prozac in his system at the time of the crash, which he attributed to a vaping incident. Kennedy, who reached the top five in 'American Idol' season 19, previously faced controversy due to a resurfaced video linked to racist imagery, leading to his early exit from the show. His attorney expressed sympathy for the victim's family, stating Kennedy is remorseful for the tragic incident.