Cobb County Jury Convicts Driver in Fatal Illegal Street Race That Killed 15-Year-Old

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.

The incident occurred on August 26, 2023, when 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 and reaching speeds over 100 miles per hour in a 45-mph zone.

While navigating a curve, Betts lost control of his Mustang, veered onto the grass shoulder, overcorrected, and spun out of control. The vehicle struck one tree, spun again, and collided with a second tree, coming to rest wrapped around the 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.

Cobb District Attorney Sonya F. Allen stated, “This case is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of illegal street racing. 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.”

Assistant District Attorneys Amanda Buxton and Cecina Crabtree, along with the Cobb County Police Department, were recognized for their work in bringing the case to justice.