Warrants allege Caleb Kennedy under the influence of marijuana during fatal crash; bond denied
Bond was denied Wednesday for former American Idol contestant Caleb Kennedy, who is facing a felony DUI charge resulting in the death of a Pacolet man Tuesday afternoon.
"He took away a husband, son, daddy, a brother and a best friend," said Tammy Pridmore, a cousin of the victim, Larry Duane Parris. "He can't come back."
Parris, a 54-year-old boat repairman, died after being run over by Kennedy's Ford pickup truck in his private driveway, according to 7th Circuit Solicitor Barry Barnette. The momentum carried Parris underneath the truck, which struck the garage and came to rest, he said. Parris was pronounced dead at Spartanburg Medical Center Tuesday afternoon.
The incident happened at around 12:41 p.m. Tuesday on West Murph Road, while Kennedy was under the influence of marijuana, according to the arrest warrant by the S.C. Highway Patrol.
Kennedy, 17, of Green Acres Road in Roebuck, was charged with felony DUI resulting in death. He faces up to 25 years in prison and a fine of $10,100 to $25,100 if convicted.
At a bond hearing Wednesday, Magistrate Daniel Burns denied bond for Kennedy.
What We Know: Former American Idol contestant Caleb Kennedy charged after fatal wreck.
Kennedy remained at the Spartanburg County Detention Center. An initial court appearance was set for 9 a.m. Thursday, April 14, in general sessions court.
The Highway Patrol and Coroner's Office are continuing to investigate the crash.
Kennedy apologizes through attorney
At Wednesday's bond hearing, Kennedy wore gray pants and a dark gray T-shirt and sat next to his attorney in front of the judge. At times, he bowed his head, and once he appeared to cry when his attorney said he is sorry.
"He is absolutely so sorry for what happened," Greenville attorney Ryan Beasley said. "He's not a flight risk."
Kennedy received national fame while competing on American Idol and became one of the favorites of the judges. But he left the show just two performances away from finale night after a controversial video surfaced online.
A half-dozen family members of Parris attended Kennedy's bond hearing Wednesday, including Pridmore, who asked that bond be denied.
Members of Kennedy's family also attended and watched from behind a tinted window in the small courtroom at the Spartanburg County Detention Center.
Chain of events
Barnette said the incident started Tuesday at the Walmart in Roebuck where Kennedy met a friend and "took a deep hit" from a vape pen.
Kennedy then drove down Southport Road, apparently heading to his girlfriend's house in Union, when he drove about 175 yards down a remote road, Murph Road, and into Parris' driveway, where Parris was talking on a phone, Barnette said.
"He hit (him) in the driveway and ran on top (of him) and into the garage," Barnette said. "He was working in front of the garage … he went underneath the garage door."
911 recording
Barnette played a 911 recording from Parris' daughter.
"Please hurry, I think he's hurt bad. Please hurry," the daughter said.
"He ran your dad over?" the dispatcher asked.
The daughter could then be heard tending to her father.
"Daddy, please talk to me," she said, adding that he was unable to talk.
After the dispatcher said help was on the way, Barnette said Kennedy's voice could be heard saying he's sorry.
"I know he's sorry, but he did this," Barnette said.
Barnette said alcohol was not involved, but whatever was inhaled by Kennedy with a vape pen – combined with medications he had been taking – made him unable to think clearly. He said he is awaiting results from toxicology tests.
'Innocent man' killed
Barnette said the victim was well-known in the community for repairing boats.
He said it wasn't clear why Kennedy drove down West Murph Road.
Kimbrell Cockrell, victim services manager of Mothers Against Drunk Driving South Carolina, and Sarah Roe, victim advocate for the S.C. Highway Patrol, both asked that bail be denied.
"He's a clear danger to society, driving 175 yards down a driveway ... killed an innocent man," Roe said.
Cockrell said Parris was married for 35 years, was a fisherman and hunter and "would do anything for anybody, no questions asked. (Kennedy) made a choice, an unfortunate choice."
Beasley, in asking for the bond, called the incident "a terrible, terrible accident."
"He was on his way to see his girlfriend in Union ... had a bad reaction," Beasley said. "We're talking about a freak situation in the middle of the day. It makes no sense."
Beasley said he's seen worse felony by DUI cases where bond was granted.
"Unfortunately, he's on Idol. That's why everybody's here," Beasley said.
Barnette responded, saying he would be present regardless of the accused's fame.
Burns denied bond, and set the April 14 court date for Kennedy's initial appearance.
Burns said Kennedy could request a preliminary hearing. Beasley said he wasn't yet sure whether he will ask for a preliminary hearing.
Contact Bob Montgomery at bob.montgomery@shj.com. Please support our coverage of Spartanburg County with a digital subscription.
This article originally appeared on Herald-Journal: Caleb Kennedy: Former American Idol contestant has bond hearing on DUI
