After a handful of unsuccessful tries, 17-year-old former American Idol star Caleb Kennedy has finally been released from jail on bond.
The 17-year-old Roebuck, South Carolina native was charged with DUI resulting in death back in February, after driving his car off the road, striking and killing 54-year-old Larry Duane Parris as he was standing outside of his garage.
At the time of accident, he was taking Prozac, and claims he took one hit of a vape which he didn’t know had marijuana in it. His defense argues that he had a bad reaction, impairing his driving.
However, due to his mental health (he was placed on suicide watch in jail), and the pending results of the toxicology report, he was denied bail a whopping four times and has been in jail since February.
The toxicology report wound up revealing that he had trace amounts of THC in his system, along with the Prozac.
The family of the victim has been adamant that Kennedy should not be allowed to leave jail, meanwhile Kennedy’s attorney argued that he was minor with no criminal past, no alcohol in his system, who’s been extremely remorseful, and a number of repeat offenders and violent criminals are often granted bail.
However, last week, Caleb was finally granted bail at $50,000 and released.
According to the New York Post, a judge ordered Kennedy to stay under house arrest at his South Carolina home, and he will also be required to receive mental health treatment while at home.
He faces up to 25 years in prison and a fine of $10,100 to $25,100 if convicted.
The 16-year-old (at the time) proved to be talented beyond his years, performing impressive renditions of Willie Nelson, Chris Stapleton and more.