Commonwealth v. Kenneth Ka'von Grant; Repeat DUI Offender Gets Max Sentence for Manslaughter

​Virginia Beach, Va. – Colin D. Stolle, Commonwealth's Attorney for the city of Virginia Beach, announced that Kenneth Ka'von Grant, age 28, formerly of the 1700 block of Wicomico Court in Virginia Beach, Virginia, was sentenced today for Involuntary Manslaughter, DUI – 3^rd Offense within 10 Years, and Driving on a Revoked License (felony). Circuit Court Judge James C. Lewis sentenced Grant to 20 years in prison, a fine of $1,000, and indefinite license suspension. The mandatory time Lewis was required to impose was one (1) year and ninety (90) days in prison, and 20 years was the maximum sentence for these charges.

Grant pled guilty on October 19, 2021. If this matter had gone to trial, the Commonwealth's evidence would have proven that at around 8 p.m. on October 9, 2020, Kenneth Ka'von Grant was involved in a fatal crash that resulted in the death of Lyree Vaughn. Vaughn attempted to make a left turn or U-turn at the intersection of Holland Road and Governors Way. Grant drove his Dodge Durango down Holland Road, approaching the intersection, when he struck Vaughn's vehicle. Vaughn died at the scene.

Investigators determined Grant was speeding at the time of the crash and that Vaughn's speed was approximately 6 m.p.h. Grant left the scene on foot and was later located by officers when he returned and walked through the crash scene. He admitted being the driver of the vehicle and that he had left the scene to go purchase cigars. He stated that he did not consume any alcohol after the crash. Officers noted a strong odor of alcohol coming from his breath, that he could not stand, and that he had bloodshot, watery, glassy eyes and slurred speech. He showed impairment on the two field sobriety tests he completed, and he refused to complete other field sobriety tests officers attempted to administer. He then complained of respiratory issues and was taken to the hospital. His blood was drawn at the hospital and later analyzed by the Department of Forensic Science. His blood alcohol content was .19 two hours after the crash. Several witnesses to the crash were able to provide a description of Grant and/or identify him as the driver of the Durango.

Grant has prior convictions for DUI 1st Offense – BAC .15-.20, DUI – 2nd Offense within 5 years, Reckless Driving by Speed, Failure to Yield, Illegal Tint, Hit and Run (misdemeanor), and Drive while License Suspended.

Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Wendy Alexander and Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Liane Galardi prosecuted this case. Please contact Macie Allen if additional information is desired.