A Cobb County jury in Marietta, Georgia, has found Caleb Hasty guilty of reckless driving and speeding due to his involvement in an illegal street race that resulted in the death of 15-year-old Ryan Huckeba. The incident took place on August 26, 2023, when Hasty, in a 2009 Pontiac G8, and Garrett Betts, in a 2001 Ford Mustang, participated in a street race after leaving a car show. Surveillance footage captured both drivers at a traffic light on the East-West Connector near Creekside Villas Way before accelerating in tandem to speeds exceeding 100 mph in a zone limited to 45 mph.
During the race, Betts lost control of his vehicle as they rounded a curve, causing the Mustang to veer onto the grass shoulder and then spin out of control. The Mustang collided with two trees, leading to a crash so severe that the seat belts were torn apart, ejecting Huckeba from the vehicle. Huckeba tragically died after a tree, uprooted by the impact, fell on him.
Superior Court Judge Ann B. Harris sentenced Hasty to 12 months, with six months to be served in custody. "This case is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of illegal street racing," stated Cobb District Attorney Sonya F. Allen. She emphasized the loss suffered by the victim's family and reiterated the commitment to holding reckless drivers accountable.
Allen also acknowledged the contributions of Assistant District Attorneys Amanda Buxton and Cecina Crabtree, as well as the Cobb County Police Department and others involved in resolving the case.