NEW ORLEANS — A jury has found Jeremy Lindsey not guilty of vehicular homicide and hit-and-run in a case related to a crash that resulted in the death of Kerry Hunter, a celebrated Grammy-winning musician. The decision was reached after approximately 40 minutes of deliberation on Thursday.
The incident occurred on Mardi Gras morning in February 2024, when Hunter, known for his long-standing involvement with the New Orleans Nightcrawlers and his performances at Preservation Hall, was struck and killed while walking near North Claiborne Avenue and Pauger Street.
Lindsey, who was 22 at the time and a student-athlete at Xavier University, called 911 shortly after the accident and sought medical help nearly two miles from the scene. Although his blood alcohol level was reported to be above the legal limit, his defense team argued that not every accident should be deemed a criminal act. Attorneys Sarah Chervinsky and William Snowden contended that Lindsey’s blood alcohol concentration was within the acceptable margin of error.
Chervinsky expressed sympathy for the situation, stating, “He just happened to be the person driving in that place at that moment, and we wish it hadn’t happened.”
In a heartfelt statement released by a family friend, Morgan Clevenger, Hunter’s loved ones expressed their profound devastation over the jury’s decision. “In light of the facts and evidence presented of how Dr. Hunter was killed, including video of the actual killing, the verdict is extremely disturbing and does not do justice to the life of Dr. Hunter,” Clevenger stated. The family emphasized the significant impact Hunter’s loss has had on his community and described him as irreplaceable.
Hunter, affectionately known as “Fatman,” was in the prime of his life and career when his untimely death occurred. He had a promising future ahead and was deeply loved by his family, friends, fellow musicians, and the wider New Orleans community.
As the legal proceedings conclude, the family and friends of Hunter continue to grieve, urging the community to keep his memory alive.
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