(MARIETTA, Ga. — March 6, 2025) — A Cobb County jury has found Caleb Hasty guilty of reckless driving and speeding for his role in an illegal street race that led to the death of 15-year-old Ryan Huckeba.

Superior Court Judge Ann B. Harris sentenced Hasty to 12 months, with six months to be served in custody.

On Aug. 26, 2023, Hasty, driving a 2009 Pontiac G8, and Garrett Betts, driving a 2001 Ford Mustang, engaged in a street race after leaving a car show. Surveillance footage showed both vehicles stopped at a traffic light on the East-West Connector near Creekside Villas Way before accelerating in tandem, reaching speeds over 100 mph in a 45-mph zone.

As they navigated a curve, Betts lost control of his Mustang, veering onto the grass shoulder. In an attempt to regain control, he overcorrected, causing the vehicle to spin out of control. The Mustang struck one tree, spun, and collided with a second tree before coming to a rest, wrapped around the tree trunk.

The violent crash tore both seat belts apart, ejecting Huckeba into the eastbound lane. A falling tree, uprooted by the impact, landed on top of him. Huckeba was pronounced dead at the scene.

“This case is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of illegal street racing,” said Cobb District Attorney Sonya F. Allen. “One family lost their beloved son that night, and this tragedy could have been avoided. We will continue to hold reckless drivers accountable for endangering lives on our roads.”

Cobb District Attorney Sonya F. Allen would like to recognize Assistant District Attorneys Amanda Buxton and Cecina Crabtree for their work on the case, and the Cobb County Police Department and all those who assisted in bringing this case to justice.