{{Short description|American convicted of manslaughter (born 1997)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2018}} {{Infobox criminal | name = Ethan Couch | image = | image_size = | alt = | caption = | birth_name = Ethan Anthony Couch | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1997|04|11}}<ref name="fox-13-4-16"/> | birth_place = Tarrant County, Texas, U.S. | residence = | nationality = | other_names = | occupation = Employee at family's sheet metal business<ref name="AffluenzaABCNews">{{cite news |last1=Dooley |first1=Sean |last2=Effron |first2=Lauren |title='Affluenza' DUI Case: Never-Before-Seen Deposition Tapes Reveal New Details of Fatal Crash, Teen's Upbringing |work=ABC News |date=October 16, 2015 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/affluenza-dui-case-deposition-tapes-reveal-details-fatal/story?id=34505481 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508155305/https://abcnews.go.com/US/affluenza-dui-case-deposition-tapes-reveal-details-fatal/story?id=34505481 |archive-date=May 8, 2016}}</ref> | known_for = Defense of "affluenza" against charge of intoxication manslaughter | height = | weight = | predecessor = | successor = | religion = | conviction = Intoxication manslaughter (4 counts), intoxication assault (2 counts) | penalty = 10 years probation; later 1 year, 11 months, and 25 days in jail added due to a probation violation<ref>{{cite news |title=Judge orders 'affluenza' teen Ethan Couch to nearly 2 years in jail |work=Chicago Tribune |date=April 13, 2016 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2016/04/13/judge-orders-affluenza-teen-ethan-couch-to-nearly-2-years-in-jail/ |url-access=limited |access-date=June 18, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108133636/https://www.chicagotribune.com/nation-world/ct-affluenza-ethan-couch-jail-20160413-story.html |archive-date=November 8, 2020}}</ref> | parents = {{ubl|Tonya Couch (mother)|Frederick Couch (father)}} | criminal_status = Released | comments = | fatalities = 4 | injuries = 9 (incl. Ethan Couch, aged 16) | date = June 15, 2013 | time = | beginyear = | endyear = | country = United States | states = Texas | locations = | targets = | weapons = | apprehended = After fleeing to Mexico on probation violation, December 28, 2015 }}
'''Ethan Anthony Couch''' (born April 11, 1997) is an American convicted criminal who killed four people at the age of 16 while driving under the influence on June 15, 2013, in Burleson, Texas. Couch, while intoxicated and under the influence of drugs, was driving on a restricted license and speeding in a residential area when he lost control of his vehicle, which slammed into a group of people assisting another driver with a disabled car. The collision killed four people and injured nine others.<ref>{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Matt |title=Burleson teen charged with four counts of manslaughter |date=September 12, 2013 |work=Cleburne Times-Review |url=https://www.cleburnetimesreview.com/news/local_news/burleson-teen-charged-with-four-counts-of-manslaughter/article_7171f25d-e5bc-59e9-b72f-79d1c48bff87.html |access-date=December 19, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150318175902/http://www.cleburnetimesreview.com/news/local_news/burleson-teen-charged-with-four-counts-of-manslaughter/article_7171f25d-e5bc-59e9-b72f-79d1c48bff87.html |archive-date=March 18, 2015}}</ref> Two passengers in Couch's pickup truck were critically injured, one of whom was completely paralyzed.<ref name="p100">{{cite news | last=Wang | first=Yanan | title=For victim of 'affluenza' teen Ethan Couch, a life of paralysis | newspaper=The Washington Post | date=22 February 2016 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/02/22/for-victim-of-affluenza-teen-ethan-couch-a-life-of-paralysis/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222234420/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/02/22/for-victim-of-affluenza-teen-ethan-couch-a-life-of-paralysis/ | archive-date=22 February 2016 | url-status=live | access-date=20 July 2025}}</ref>
Couch was indicted on four counts of intoxication manslaughter for recklessly driving under the influence. In December 2013, Judge Jean Hudson Boyd sentenced Couch to ten years of probation, subsequently ordering him to undergo therapy at a long term inpatient facility.<ref name="star-telegram1"/> Before sentencing, Couch's attorneys had argued that Couch had "affluenza" and needed rehabilitation instead of prison, arguing that Couch had no understanding of boundaries as his affluent parents had never given him any.<ref>{{cite news |last=Alcindor |first=Yamiche |author-link=Yamiche Alcindor |title=What's the future for 'affluenza' defenses? |date=December 14, 2013 |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/12/14/whats-the-future-for-affluenza-defenses/4016059/ |access-date=January 13, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228045005/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/12/14/whats-the-future-for-affluenza-defenses/4016059/ |archive-date=February 28, 2020}}</ref> Couch's sentence, judged by many as outrageously lenient, set off what ''The New York Times'' called "an emotional, angry debate that has stretched far beyond the North Texas suburbs".<ref name="debate">{{cite news |last1=Fernandez |first1=Manny |last2=Schwartz |first2=John |title=Teenager's Sentence in Fatal Drunken-Driving Case Stirs 'Affluenza' Debate |date=December 13, 2013 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/14/us/teenagers-sentence-in-fatal-drunken-driving-case-stirs-affluenza-debate.html |url-access=limited |access-date=December 15, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105165513/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/14/us/teenagers-sentence-in-fatal-drunken-driving-case-stirs-affluenza-debate.html |archive-date=January 5, 2016}}</ref>
On December 11, 2015, after a video was posted online purporting to show Couch drinking at a party, he became the subject of a manhunt, and was listed in the National Fugitive Database after attempts by his probation officer to contact him failed.<ref name="richter">{{cite news |last=Richter |first=Marice |title=Manhunt for Texas affluenza teen after he apparently goes missing |date=December 17, 2015 |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-texas-affluenza-idUSKBN0U037820151218 |access-date=December 18, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170115030729/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-texas-affluenza-idUSKBN0U037820151218 |archive-date=January 15, 2017}}</ref> On December 28, 2015, authorities detained Couch and his mother in the Mexican resort city of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.<ref>{{cite news |last=Perez |first=Evan |title='Affluenza' teen Ethan Couch detained in Mexico |date=December 28, 2015 |publisher=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2015/12/28/us/mexico-affluenza-teen-ethan-couch-detained/index.html |access-date=December 28, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202180312/https://www.cnn.com/2015/12/28/us/mexico-affluenza-teen-ethan-couch-detained/index.html |archive-date=February 2, 2017}}</ref> On April 13, 2016, Couch was sentenced to serve two years in prison, and was released in 2018.<ref name="fox-13-4-16"/>
==Early life== Couch's parents are Fred and Tonya.<ref name="D Magazine">{{cite magazine |last=Mooney |first=Michael J. |title=The Worst Parents Ever: Inside the Story of Ethan Couch and the "Affluenza" Phenomenon |date=May 2015 |magazine=D Magazine |url=https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/2015/may/affluenza-the-worst-parents-ever-ethan-couch/ |access-date=December 22, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200124095626/https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/2015/may/affluenza-the-worst-parents-ever-ethan-couch/ |archive-date=January 24, 2020}}</ref> Fred founded Cleburne Metal Works, a metal roofing company, in 1986, and Tonya was a nurse before her license was revoked in 2012.<ref>{{cite news |last=Schmall |first=Emily |title='Affluenza' teen grew up in wealthy but unstable home |date=January 1, 2016 |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article52703690.html |url-access=limited |access-date=November 29, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129224708/https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article52703690.html |archive-date=November 29, 2020}}</ref> Couch grew up in Burleson and previously attended Anderson Private School.<ref>{{cite news |last=Plushnick-Masti |first=Ramit |title='Spoiled-brat' defense keeps teen out of jail in DUI fatalities |date=December 13, 2013 |work=The Seattle Times |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/lsquospoiled-bratrsquo-defense-keeps-teen-out-of-jail-in-dui-fatalities/ |access-date=December 27, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703213011/https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/lsquospoiled-bratrsquo-defense-keeps-teen-out-of-jail-in-dui-fatalities/ |archive-date=July 3, 2020}}</ref> Couch drove himself to school at the age of thirteen; when this was questioned by the principal his father responded by threatening to buy the school.<ref name="WDAF">{{cite news |title=Profile of Ethan Couch's parents, who attorneys argued spoiled him, made him irresponsible |date=December 21, 2015 |publisher=WDAF-TV |agency=CNN Wire |url=https://fox4kc.com/news/profile-of-ethan-couchs-parents-who-attorneys-argued-spoiled-him-made-him-irresponsible/ |access-date=December 23, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160620134700/http://fox4kc.com/2015/12/21/profile-of-ethan-couchs-parents-who-attorneys-argued-spoiled-him-made-him-irresponsible/ |archive-date=June 20, 2016}}</ref> Couch then withdrew from Anderson and began attending a co-op based in nearby Watauga until age 15, when he enrolled in a community college.<ref name="D Magazine"/>
At the age of 15, Couch was cited for "minor in consumption of alcohol" and "minor in possession of alcohol", after he was caught in a parked pickup truck with a naked, unconscious 14-year-old girl.<ref name="WDAF"/> He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to probation, a compulsory alcohol awareness class, and 12 hours of community service.<ref>{{cite news |last=Woodward |first=Teresa |title=Teen driver involved in deadly crash had prior alcohol citations |publisher=WFAA |date=June 21, 2013 |url=http://www.wfaa.com/news/crime/Teenage-driver-involved-in-deadly-crash-had-prior-alcohol-citations-212577071.html |access-date=January 13, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130624183252/http://www.wfaa.com/news/crime/Teenage-driver-involved-in-deadly-crash-had-prior-alcohol-citations-212577071.html |archive-date=June 24, 2013}}</ref>
===Family history=== His parents – who divorced in 2017<ref name=":1"/> – have also each had legal problems, publicized in the media following their son's conviction.
====Fred Couch==== Fred Couch has been charged with evading arrest, theft by check, and assault against his then-wife Tonya,<ref>{{cite news |last=Blair |first=Leonardo |title='Affluenza' Teen Ethan Couch's Wild Millionaire Parents Accused of Laundry List of Crimes and Traffic Violations |date=December 17, 2013 |work=The Christian Post |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/affluenza-teen-ethan-couchs-wild-millionaire-parents-accused-of-laundry-list-of-crimes-and-traffic-violations.html |access-date=November 29, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129225028/https://www.christianpost.com/news/affluenza-teen-ethan-couchs-wild-millionaire-parents-accused-of-laundry-list-of-crimes-and-traffic-violations.html |archive-date=November 29, 2020}}</ref> and was convicted of misdemeanor assault in 2000.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |last=Zakalik |first=Lauren |title=Sheriff: Woman claims Couch's father choked her |date=February 12, 2016 |publisher=WFAA |url=https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/sheriff-woman-claims-couchs-father-choked-her/287-41724314 |access-date=November 29, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129221334/https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/sheriff-woman-claims-couchs-father-choked-her/287-41724314 |archive-date=November 29, 2020}}</ref> On August 19, 2014, he was arrested for impersonating a police officer, allegedly displaying a fake badge during a disturbance call,<ref name="WDAF"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Norris |first=Mark |title=Ethan Couch's father arrested for impersonating police officer |date=August 19, 2014 |publisher=KDFW |url=https://www.fox4news.com/news/ethan-couchs-father-arrested-for-impersonating-police-officer |access-date=August 19, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129082935/http://www.myfoxdfw.com/story/26319287/ethan-couchs-father-arrested-for-impersonating-police-officer |archive-date=November 29, 2014}}</ref> and was later found guilty and sentenced to a year of probation in December 2016.<ref>{{cite news |title="Affluenza" teen's dad guilty of pretending to be officer |date=December 15, 2016 |work=CBS News |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/affluenza-teen-ethan-couch-dad-fred-couch-guilty-of-pretending-to-be-officer/ |access-date=November 29, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213131518/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/affluenza-teen-ethan-couch-dad-fred-couch-guilty-of-pretending-to-be-officer/ |archive-date=February 13, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Caplan |first=David |title='Affluenza' Teen's Father Guilty of Identifying Himself as Officer |date=December 15, 2016 |work=ABC News |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/affluenza-teens-father-guilty-identifying-officer/story?id=44205563 |access-date=November 29, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180421195021/https://abcnews.go.com/US/affluenza-teens-father-guilty-identifying-officer/story?id=44205563 |archive-date=April 21, 2018}}</ref> In February 2016, police were called to his home after he allegedly choked his girlfriend,<ref name=":0"/> but no charges were filed.<ref>{{cite news |title=Police called to home of 'affluenza' teen's dad, no charges |date=February 12, 2016 |publisher=Fox News |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/police-called-to-home-of-affluenza-teens-dad-no-charges |access-date=November 29, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813183205/https://www.foxnews.com/us/police-called-to-home-of-affluenza-teens-dad-no-charges |archive-date=August 13, 2020}}</ref> In September 2019, he was charged with assault, allegedly having choked his girlfriend with his hands that July.<ref name=":1">{{cite news |last=Ramirez |first=Domingo Jr. |title=Dad of 'affluenza teen' charged with assault, accused of choking girlfriend |date=September 27, 2019 |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/crime/article235518067.html |access-date=November 29, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930234800/https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/crime/article235518067.html |archive-date=September 30, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title='Affluenza Teen's Dad, Fred Couch Arrested For Allegedly Choking Girlfriend |date=September 27, 2019 |publisher=KTVT |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/dfw/news/affluenza-teens-dad-fred-couch-arrested-for-allegedly-choking-girlfriend/ |access-date=November 29, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928024943/https://dfw.cbslocal.com/2019/09/27/affluenza-teens-dad-fred-couch-arrested-for-allegedly-choking-girlfriend/ |archive-date=September 28, 2020}}</ref>
====Tonya Couch==== In 2013, Tonya Couch was sentenced to a $500 fine and a six-month community supervision order for reckless driving when she used her vehicle to force another motorist off the road.<ref>{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Byron |title=DA seeks jail time for Ethan Couch; more details arise in teen's background |date=December 17, 2013 |publisher=WFAA |url=http://www.wfaa.com/news/crime/New-Information-Behind-Ethan-Couch-Verdict-236295831.html |access-date=January 13, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219201219/http://www.wfaa.com/news/crime/New-Information-Behind-Ethan-Couch-Verdict-236295831.html |archive-date=December 19, 2013}}</ref>
==Crash== On the evening of June 15, 2013, according to authorities and trial testimony, Couch was witnessed on surveillance video stealing two cases of beer from a Walmart store,<ref>{{cite web |title=Texas teen Ethan Couch gets 10 years' probation for driving drunk, killing 4 |last=Ford |first=Dana |date=2013 |website=CNN |publisher=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2013/12/11/us/texas-teen-dwi-wreck/index.html |access-date=2022-12-25}}</ref> driving with seven passengers in his father's red 2012 Ford F-350 pickup truck, and speeding at {{convert|70|mph}} in a designated 40-mile-per-hour (64 km/h) zone.<ref name="dallas"/>
Approximately an hour after the beer theft, Couch was driving his father's truck at {{convert|70|mph}} on rural, two-lane Burleson-Retta Road where motorist Breanna Mitchell's sport utility vehicle had stalled. Hollie Boyles and her daughter Shelby, who lived nearby, had come out to help her, as had passing youth minister Brian Jennings. Couch's truck swerved off the road and into Mitchell's sport utility vehicle, then crashed into Jennings' parked car, which in turn hit an oncoming Volkswagen Beetle. Couch's truck then flipped over and struck a tree. Mitchell, Jennings, and both Boyles were pronounced dead at the scene on the arrival of paramedics near the rural road. However, Couch and his seven teenage passengers, none of whom were wearing seat belts, survived. The two children in Jennings' car and the two people in the Volkswagen also survived.<ref name="dallas">{{cite news |last=Hallman |first=Tristan |title=Sheriff: Speed and alcohol played roles in chaotic Tarrant County wreck that killed four |date=July 9, 2013 |work=The Dallas Morning News |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2013/07/09/sheriff-speed-and-alcohol-played-roles-in-chaotic-tarrant-county-wreck-that-killed-four/ |access-date=February 6, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414212007/http://crimeblog.dallasnews.com/2013/07/sheriff-speed-and-alcohol-played-roles-in-chaotic-tarrant-county-wreck-that-killed-four.html/ |archive-date=April 14, 2015}}</ref> Two of those who survived the crash were critically injured.<ref name="p100"/> Couch was not seriously injured in the crash. He and a few of his seven passengers were sent directly to hospitals for treatment, along with a few others who were present in both cars.{{cn|date=November 2024}}
Three hours after the incident, Couch, who was 16 at the time of the incident, had a blood alcohol content of 0.24%, three times the legal limit for adult drivers (21+ years old) in Texas,<ref name="debate"/> and he also tested positive for marijuana and diazepam.<ref name="star-telegram1">{{cite news |last=Mitchell |first=Mitch |title=Teen sentenced to 10 years probation, rehab in 4 deaths |date=December 10, 2013 |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/crime/article3839368.html |access-date=December 15, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226013427/https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/crime/article3839368.html |archive-date=February 26, 2018}}</ref>
==Trial and sentencing== Couch was charged with four counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault. Couch entered a guilty plea, and Tarrant County prosecutors were seeking a maximum sentence of 20 years' imprisonment for Couch.<ref>{{cite news |title='Affluenza' teen Ethan Couch sought after probation officer lost contact |date=December 15, 2015 |publisher=WDAF-TV |agency=Associated Press |url=https://fox4kc.com/news/affluenza-teen-ethan-couch-sought-after-probation-officer-lost-contact/ |access-date=December 28, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220142655/http://fox4kc.com/2015/12/15/affluenza-teen-ethan-couch-sought-after-probation-officer-lost-contact/ |archive-date=February 20, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Klass |first1=Caila |last2=Valiente |first2=Alexa |title='Affluenza' DUI Case: What Happened Night of the Accident That Left 4 People Dead |date=October 15, 2015 |work=ABC News |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/affluenza-dui-case-happened-night-accident-left-people/story?id=34481444 |access-date=December 28, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103045231/https://abcnews.go.com/US/affluenza-dui-case-happened-night-accident-left-people/story?id=34481444 |archive-date=January 3, 2020}}</ref>
G. Dick Miller, a psychologist hired as an expert by the defense, testified in court that the teen was a product of "affluenza" and was unable to link his actions with consequences because of his parents teaching him that wealth buys privilege. It was initially reported that, as part of his sentencing, their son would be sent for teen substance abuse and mental health rehabilitation to Newport Academy, an upscale residential treatment center in Newport Beach, California with costs upwards of $450,000, annually.<ref>{{cite news |last=Plushnick-Masti |first=Ramit |title=Affluenza' isn't a recognized diagnosis, experts say after 'brat' spared from jail in drunk driving case |agency=Associated Press |work=National Post |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/affluenza-defence-used-to-protect-teen-driver-who-killed-four-was-never-meant-to-be-used-in-court-expert-says |access-date=December 12, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Muskal |first=Michael |title=Texas teen's probation for killing 4 while driving drunk stirs anger |work=Los Angeles Times |url=http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-texas-teen-drunk-driving-probation-affluenza-20131212-story.html |access-date=December 12, 2013}}</ref>
Following a court hearing closed to the public, Judge Boyd instead sentenced Couch to an unspecified lock-down rehabilitation facility at his parents' expense; the time Couch would have to stay there was also unspecified. Couch was ordered to stay away from drugs, alcohol, and driving. A hearing on April 11, 2014, revealed that on February 19, 2014, Couch had begun treatment "at the North Texas State Hospital, a state-owned inpatient mental health facility" in Vernon, Texas. Although the daily rate for the treatment facility is $715, Couch's parents were ordered to pay just $1,170 per month for his stay there, based on the state's sliding-scale payment schedule. The amount ordered is the maximum allowed on the payment schedule. Couch's parents promised in court to pay the requested fee for their son's treatment.<ref>{{cite news |title=Troubled teen is being treated at a state hospital in Vernon |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |url=http://www.star-telegram.com/incoming/article3853537.html}}</ref>
At least one relative of the crash victims protested the lightness of Couch's sentence and his lack of remorse.<ref>{{cite news |last=Patinkin |first=Felicia |title=U.S. 'Affluenza' DUI Case: Prosecutors Try Again to Put Teen Behind Bars |work=ABC News |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/affluenza-dui-case-prosecutors-put-teen-bars/story?id=21259169 |access-date=December 19, 2013}}</ref><ref name=Walker>{{cite news |last=Walker |first=Tim |title=Ethan Couch: Texas quadruple murderer – or a victim of 'affluenza'? |work=The Independent |location=London |date=December 13, 2013 |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/ethan-couch-texas-quadruple-murderer--or-a-victim-of-affluenza-9004308.html |access-date=December 15, 2013}}</ref>
==Reaction== Following the probation sentence, the Tarrant County District Attorney's office asked a juvenile judge to incarcerate Couch, on two counts of intoxication assault, saying there had been no verdict formally entered for those charges and "every case deserves a verdict."<ref>{{cite news |last=Patinkin |first=Felicia |title=U.S. 'Affluenza' DUI Case: Prosecutors Try Again to Put Teen Behind Bars |date=December 18, 2013 |work=ABC News |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/affluenza-dui-case-prosecutors-put-teen-bars/story?id=21259169 |access-date=December 19, 2013}}</ref>
One psychologist who disagreed with Couch's sentence—Dr. Suniya S. Luthar, who specializes in "the costs of affluence in suburban communities"—maintains that research shows feelings of entitlement among affluent youth are a social problem, and that "we are setting a double standard for the rich and poor." Luthar asked, "What is the likelihood if this was an African-American, inner-city kid that grew up in a violent neighborhood to a single mother who is addicted to crack and he was caught two or three times ... what is the likelihood that the judge would excuse his behavior and let him off because of how he was raised?"<ref>{{cite news |last=Plushnick-Masti |first=Ramit |title='Affluenza' Defense Draws Criticism In Ethan Couch Sentence For Fatal DWI Wreck |date=December 13, 2013 |work=The Huffington Post |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/13/affluenza-defense_n_4438925.html |access-date=December 15, 2013}}</ref>
Writing in ''The Guardian'', Texas student Jessica Luther points out that Couch's family's ability to pay for private therapy, i.e., their wealth, was intrinsic to the judge's reasoning for giving Couch a light sentence. An offender without his means would end up in the overcrowded, publicly supported Texas juvenile justice system where (the judge noted) Couch "might not get the kind of intensive therapy in a state-run program that he could receive at the California facility suggested by his attorneys".<ref>{{cite news |last=Luther |first=Jessica |title=Affluenza: the latest excuse for the wealthy to do whatever they want |work=The Guardian |date=December 15, 2013 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/dec/15/affluenza-texas-dui-ethan-couch |access-date=February 4, 2014}}</ref>
Another psychologist — Robin S. Rosenberg — has argued that Miller's defense makes no sense because Couch could have learned that bad behavior has consequences in other areas of his life, and that a sentence to a luxurious rehabilitation home reinforces the message "that his wealth and privilege ''can'' obviate the negative consequences of his criminal behavior".<ref>{{cite news |last=Rosenberg |first=Robin |title=There's No Defense for Affluenza |date=December 17, 2013 |work=Slate |url=http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/medical_examiner/2013/12/ethan_couch_affluenza_defense_critique_of_the_psychology_of_no_consequences.html |access-date=December 18, 2013}}</ref>
Critics complained that the presiding judge — District Judge Jean Boyd — had given a much harsher sentence to another 16-year-old intoxicated driver 10 years earlier, who killed one person. In February 2004, Boyd sentenced Eric Bradlee Miller, who stole a truck and killed a 19-year-old father,<ref name="miller_daily">{{cite news |title=Family of Texas man who got 20 years for fatal drunk driving crash by same judge who sentenced Ethan Couch outraged |last=Bunt |first=Laura |date=December 15, 2019 |work=Daily News |location=New York |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/family-eric-bradlee-miller-outraged-couch-lam-article-1.2471292 |access-date=April 13, 2019}}</ref> to 20 years telling him, "the court is aware you had a sad childhood ... I hope you will take advantage of the services [offered by the Texas Youth Commission] and turn your life around."<ref name=Boyd>{{cite news |last=Mitchell |first=Mitch |title=Fatal crash in 2004 drew different sentence from Tarrant judge |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |date=December 21, 2013 |url=http://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/fort-worth/article3840394.html |access-date=February 4, 2014}}</ref> Eric Bradlee Miller had killed one person, not four, and had a much lower blood alcohol level (0.11% compared to Couch's 0.24%), but was from a much poorer family.<ref name=Boyd/><ref>{{cite news |title=Sentences vary for drunken teens in fatal wrecks |agency=The Associated Press |publisher=The Courier of Montgomery County |url=http://www.yourconroenews.com/news/article/Sentences-vary-for-drunken-teens-in-fatal-wrecks-9276952.php |access-date=February 4, 2014}}</ref>
According to ''The New York Times'', however, it is unclear what, if any, part, Couch's family's wealth played in his sentence. "[I]t is not uncommon for minors involved in serious drunken-driving cases and other crimes to receive probation instead of prison time", and the sentence may be part of "a growing trend of giving a young person a second chance through rehabilitation instead of trying him as an adult".<ref name=debate/> Boyd had a history of attempting to place youths in rehabilitation rather than jail.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rich Teen's Lenient Sentence Raises Questions About How to Handle Convicted Juveniles |date=December 13, 2013 |work=The Root |url=https://www.theroot.com/rich-teen-s-lenient-sentence-raises-questions-about-how-1790899312 |access-date=October 31, 2024 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224181956/http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2013/12/lenient_sentence_given_to_drunk_driving_teen_sparks_questions_about_handling.html |archive-date=February 24, 2014}}</ref>
The leading Republican and Democratic candidates in the 2014 Texas gubernatorial election, respectively, Greg Abbott and Wendy Davis, commented on the sentence. Davis referred to it as a "disgrace" and Abbott, then-Texas Attorney General, said his office was looking to appeal the case.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ethan Couch sentence becomes issue in governor's race |date=December 15, 2013 |url=http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/Ethan-Couch-sentence-becomes-issue-in-governors-race-235945331.html |access-date=January 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140217210619/http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/Ethan-Couch-sentence-becomes-issue-in-governors-race-235945331.html |archive-date=February 17, 2014}}</ref>
At a February 5, 2014 hearing, Eric Boyles, who lost his wife and daughter in the crash, said "Had he not had money to have the defense there, to also have the experts testify, and also offer to pay for the treatment, I think the results would have been different."<ref>{{cite magazine |title='Affluenza' teen on probation for fatal crash is sent to pricey rehab |magazine=ABA Journal |publisher=American Bar Association |date=February 6, 2014 |last=Neil |first=Martha |url=https://www.abajournal.com/news/article/affluenza_teen_on_10-year_probation_for_crash_that_killed_4_is_sent_to_pric |access-date=February 7, 2014}}</ref>
==Lawsuits== Five civil lawsuits were filed by families of the four victims and two of the passengers between September and November 2013, against Couch, his family, and Cleburne Metal Works (doing business as Cleburne Sheet Metal, as the truck's registered owner).<ref name=chron/><ref>{{cite news |title=Victims' Families File Lawsuits Against "Affluenza" Teen |last=Janda |first=Greg |date=December 16, 2013 |publisher=KXAS-TV |url=https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/victims-families-file-lawsuits-against-affluenza-teen/2068763/ |access-date=March 13, 2015}}</ref> An additional lawsuit was filed in December 2013, by the family of Isaiah McLaughlin, a passenger in Jennings' vehicle.<ref name=Orth13/> The lawsuits were filed by: * Eric and Marguerite Boyles, husband and daughter of victim Hollie Boyles, and father and sister to victim Shelby Boyles * Marla Mitchell, mother of victim Breanna Mitchell * Shaunna Jennings, wife of victim Brian Jennings * Maria Lemus and Sergio Molina, parents of injured passenger Sergio E. Molina<ref name=Berenson13>{{cite web |title=Plaintiffs' Original Petition and Requests for Disclosure, No. 096-267963-13 |author=Law Offices of William K. Berenson |website=Fort Worth Injury Attorney Blog |date=September 2013 |url=http://www.fortworthinjuryattorneyblog.com/Petition-Molina.pdf |access-date=March 13, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304072823/http://www.fortworthinjuryattorneyblog.com/Petition-Molina.pdf |archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref> * Kevin and Alesia McConnell, parents of Lucas McConnell, who was a passenger in Jennings' vehicle and was injured but survived * Timothy and Priscilla McLaughlin, parents of Isaiah McLaughlin, who was another passenger in Jennings' vehicle and was also injured but survived<ref name=Orth13>{{cite news |title=Plaintiffs' Original Petition and Requests for Disclosure, No. 048-269872-13 |author=Law Offices of Gerry Orth |via=the Fort Worth Star-Telegram |date=December 30, 2013 |url=http://www.star-telegram.com/incoming/article3802049.ece/BINARY/McLaughlin%20lawsuit%20against%20the%20Couches |access-date=March 13, 2015}}</ref><ref name="p100"/>
The first lawsuit was filed by Maria Lemus and Sergio Molina on behalf of their son, Sergio E. Molina, who was riding in the bed of Couch's truck and suffered a traumatic brain injury. According to the suit petition,<ref name=Berenson13/> Molina's medical expenses exceeded an estimated $600,000 at the time and could top $10 million if he needs round-the-clock care.<ref name=chron>{{cite news |last=Christian |first=Carol |title=Victims' families in Texas 'affluenza' case file multi-million dollar lawsuits |work=Houston Chronicle |date=December 18, 2013 |url=http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/texas/article/Victims-families-in-Texas-affluenza-case-file-5075744.php |access-date=December 19, 2013}}</ref>
Five of the six suits (all those except the McLaughlin suit) were consolidated in January 2014 to save court costs.<ref>{{cite news |title=Civil suits against Couch family combined |date=January 10, 2014 |work=Cleburne Times-Review |url=http://www.cleburnetimesreview.com/news/local_news/civil-suits-against-couch-family-combined/article_a2c956f9-43d6-5899-84aa-d6207e4d6046.html |access-date=March 13, 2015}}</ref> The McLaughlin and Mitchell suits were settled out-of-court by March 2014,<ref>{{cite news |title=Families of two 'affluenza' case victims settle civil suits |publisher=WFAA |url=http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/local/tarrant-county/2014/08/21/14184154/ |access-date=March 13, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402143120/http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/local/tarrant-county/2014/08/21/14184154/ |archive-date=April 2, 2015}}</ref> and Sergio Molina's family reached an out-of-court settlement in May 2014.<ref>{{cite news |title=Brain-injured teen receives $2 million in 'affluenza' case settlement |last1=Ford |first1=Dana |last2=Presto |first2=Suzanne |date=May 8, 2014 |publisher=CNN |url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/05/07/us/texas-affluenza-teen/ |access-date=March 13, 2015}}</ref> By November 2014, all of the suits had been settled<ref>{{cite news |title=Who Am I To Not Forgive Ethan? |last=Villarreal |first=Mireya |date=November 10, 2014 |publisher=KTVT |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/dfw/news/who-am-i-not-to-forgive-ethan/ |access-date=March 13, 2015}}</ref> with the exception of the suit by McConnell, who had requested a jury trial.<ref>{{cite news |title=Family wants a jury trial in civil suit against Couch |last=Mitchell |first=Mitch |date=March 26, 2014 |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/crime/article3851313.html |access-date=March 13, 2015}}</ref> In the McConnell suit, lawyers for the defendants filed a petition for a writ of mandamus in July 2014 to prevent access to the records of Dr. Miller; the emergency stay was granted by the Texas Court of Appeals in August,<ref>{{cite web |title=The Affluenza Kid And Privilege (This Time The Evidentiary Kind) |last=Patrice |first=Joe |date=August 6, 2014 |website=Above the Law |url=http://abovethelaw.com/2014/08/the-affluenza-kid-and-privilege-this-time-the-evidentiary-kind/ |access-date=March 13, 2015}}</ref> but mandamus was subsequently denied in September.<ref>{{cite web |title=Docket Number 02-14-00235-CV |author1=Court of Appeals |author2=Second District of Texas |date=September 16, 2014 |via=Court Listener |url=https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/2733454/in-re-ec-fc-tc-and-cleburne-metal-works-llc-dba-cl/ |access-date=March 13, 2015}}</ref> The McConnell suit was settled in October 2015.<ref>{{cite news |title=Couch family settles last suit in fatal wreck |last=Mitchell |first=Mitch |date=October 9, 2015 |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |url=http://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/fort-worth/article38530914.html |access-date=December 29, 2015}}</ref>
==Fugitive status and capture== In late 2015, authorities began investigating a claim made on Twitter<ref>{{cite tweet |number=672170442455576576 |user=BlondeSpectre |title=ya boy ethan couch violating probation. i got more if u want @CityofBurleson @TarrantCountyDA |date=December 2, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151218054843/https://twitter.com/BlondeSpectre/status/672170442455576576 |archive-date=December 18, 2015}}</ref> on December 2, 2015. The user posted a video along with a caption stating that Couch was in violation of his probation. The video shows several young people playing beer pong at a party, one of whom appears to be Couch.<ref>{{cite news |last=Botelho |first=Greg |title=Outrage, but not surprise over 'affluenza' teen on the lam |date=December 19, 2015 |publisher=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2015/12/18/us/texas-affluenza-drunken-driving-teen-missing/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161118074253/https://www.cnn.com/2015/12/18/us/texas-affluenza-drunken-driving-teen-missing/index.html |archive-date=November 18, 2016}}</ref> Drinking was a direct violation of Couch's 10 year probation. Consequences could have included a re-sentencing, which could mean a maximum of 10 years' imprisonment, according to the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office.<ref>{{cite web |title='Affluenza' teen Ethan Couch under investigation after Twitter user posts beer pong video |website=Crime Blog |url=http://crimeblog.dallasnews.com/2015/12/tarrant-da-investigating-twitter-video-claiming-to-show-affluenza-teen-ethan-couch-playing-beer-pong.html |access-date=December 3, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151204224429/http://crimeblog.dallasnews.com/2015/12/tarrant-da-investigating-twitter-video-claiming-to-show-affluenza-teen-ethan-couch-playing-beer-pong.html/ |archive-date=December 4, 2015}}</ref>
A warrant was issued for Couch on December 11, 2015, after his probation officer could not reach him.<ref name=richter/> On December 18, 2015, Couch and his mother were reported as missing, and as having not been reached after failing to make contact with Couch's probation officer.<ref name="missing-cnn">{{cite news |title=Ethan Couch of 'affluenza' fame missing from probation |last1=Fantz |first1=Ashley |last2=Brumfield |first2=Ben |date=December 16, 2015 |publisher=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2015/12/16/us/texas-affluenza-drunken-driving-teen-missing/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Warrant out for 'affluenza' Texas teen for suspected probation violation |date=December 17, 2015 |work=Yahoo |url=https://www.yahoo.com/digest/20151217/warrant-affluenza-texas-teen-suspected-probation-violation-00102244 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222081216/https://www.yahoo.com/digest/20151217/warrant-affluenza-texas-teen-suspected-probation-violation-00102244 |archive-date=December 22, 2015}}</ref> The fugitive hunt for Couch became a federal matter in December 2015 with the U.S. Marshals Service, FBI, and other agencies joining the hunt for the suspect who was believed to have fled the country. A $5,000 reward for information leading to the whereabouts or arrest of Ethan Couch was offered.<ref>{{cite news |title=U.S. Marshals offer $5,000 reward for 'affluenza teen' turned fugitive |last=Holley |first=Peter |date=December 19, 2015 |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/12/19/u-s-marshals-offer-5000-reward-for-affluenza-teen-turned-fugitive/}}</ref>
Couch and his mother were discovered and arrested in Puerto Vallarta, in Jalisco, Mexico on December 28, 2015.<ref>{{cite news |title='Affluenza' teen Ethan Couch detained in Mexico |publisher=CNN |url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/28/us/mexico-affluenza-teen-ethan-couch-detained/index.html |access-date=December 29, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Ethan Couch, 'Affluenza' Teenager, Had Last Party Before Fleeing, Officials Say |newspaper=The New York Times |date=December 29, 2015 |last1=Fernandez |first1=Manny |last2=Pérez-Peña |first2=Richard |last3=Ahmed |first3=Azam |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/30/us/affluenza-ethan-couch-mexico.html |access-date=December 29, 2015}}</ref> Mexican authorities transported the pair to immigration offices in Guadalajara for deportation to the United States.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ethan Couch, teen on probation in deadly 'affluenza' DUI, captured in Mexico, to be returned to U.S. |agency=Associated Press |publisher=CBC News |date=December 29, 2015 |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ethan-couch-affluenza-mexico-1.3382667 |access-date=December 29, 2015}}</ref> Ethan Couch won a delay in his deportation, based on a constitutional appeal in Mexico (see ''recurso de amparo''), and was transported to a detention facility in Mexico City.<ref>{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title='Affluenza' teen Ethan Couch delays deportation to U.S. by claiming Mexican authorities violated his human rights |work=Daily News |location=New York |date=January 1, 2016 |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/affluenza-teen-ethan-couch-delays-deportation-u-s-article-1.2483179 |access-date=January 6, 2016}}</ref> His mother was deported on December 30<ref>{{cite news |title=Affluenza' Teen's Mom Deported From Mexico |work=NBC News |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/affluenza-teen-s-mom-deported-mexico-n488276 |access-date=January 16, 2016}}</ref> aboard a commercial flight to Los Angeles International Airport and arrested upon arrival on December 31 by the Los Angeles Police Department on a felony charge of hindering apprehension of a felon. She was initially being held on $1 million bail,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Keneally |first1=Meghan |last2=Stevenson |first2=Kelly |title='Affluenza' Mom Tonya Couch Arrested on Felony Charge |work=ABC News |date=December 31, 2015 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/affluenza-mom-tonya-couch-held-felony-charge/story?id=36024813 |access-date=January 4, 2016}}</ref> but after her transfer back to Tarrant County, a judge dropped her bail to $75,000, and she was released from jail on January 12, having posted bond.<ref>{{cite news |publisher=WFAA |title='Affluenza' fugitive's mom posts reduced bond |url=http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/local/tarrant-county/2016/01/11/tonya-couch-requesting-bond-reduction/78637208 |access-date=January 18, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115124733/http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/local/tarrant-county/2016/01/11/tonya-couch-requesting-bond-reduction/78637208/ |archive-date=January 15, 2016}}</ref>
Couch, having dropped his fight to avoid being deported from Mexico, was flown back to the United States on January 28, 2016, and was held in custody before appearing at a hearing on February 19 regarding his original juvenile probation case being transferred to the adult court system.<ref>{{cite news |title="Affluenza" Teen Ethan Couch On Plane Headed Back To Texas |publisher=KTVT |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/dfw/news/affluenza-teen-ethan-couch-on-plane-headed-back-to-texas/ |access-date=January 28, 2016}}</ref> The case was transferred to the adult court system on February 19, 2016, and the court stated that probation would continue into 2024. On April 13, 2016, state District Judge Wayne Salvant sentenced Couch to four consecutive terms of 180 days in jail (720 days in total)<ref name=affcnn>{{cite news |title='Affluenza' teen tentatively gets 2 years |publisher=CNN |url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/13/us/texas-affluenza-ethan-couch/index.html |access-date=April 13, 2016}}</ref> – one for each of the 2013 car crash victims – in light of him fleeing to Mexico.<ref name="fox-13-4-16">{{cite news |title=Affluenza teen Ethan Couch gets 2 years in jail |date=April 13, 2016 |publisher=KDFW |url=https://www.fox4news.com/news/affluenza-teen-ethan-couch-gets-2-years-in-jail |access-date=April 13, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228065347/http://www.fox4news.com/news/121811068-story |archive-date=February 28, 2017}}</ref>
==Release== Couch was released from jail on April 2, 2018.<ref>{{cite news |title='Affluenza' case: Ethan Couch, who killed 4 in DUI wreck, set for release |date=March 20, 2018 |work=CBS News |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/affluenza-case-ethan-couch-who-killed-4-in-dui-wreck-set-for-release |access-date=March 21, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221043730/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/affluenza-case-ethan-couch-who-killed-4-in-dui-wreck-set-for-release/ |archive-date=February 21, 2020}}</ref><ref name="CNN 2018-04-02">{{cite news |title=Ethan Couch of 'affluenza' case released from jail |last=Park |first=Madison |date=April 2, 2018 |publisher=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/02/us/ethan-couch-affluenza-jail-release/index.html |access-date=July 4, 2020}}</ref> Upon his release, he was required to wear an ankle monitor and an alcohol detection patch and to submit to drug testing and conform to a 9 p.m. curfew. He is permitted to drive and has a video-equipped ignition interlock device installed in his vehicle, which will prevent him from starting his car without passing a breathalyzer test, according to Mike Simonds of the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office.<ref name="NY Post 2 April">{{cite news |last1=Eustachewich |first1=Lia |title='Affluenza teen' walks free |work=New York Post |date=April 2, 2018 |url=https://nypost.com/2018/04/02/affluenza-teen-set-to-walk-free/ |access-date=4 April 2018}}</ref><ref name="CNN 2018-04-02"/>
The non-profit organization Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) criticized Couch's release as a "grave injustice", vowing to keep a close eye on his case: {{Blockquote|The 720 days Ethan Couch served for his crimes shows that drunk driving homicides still aren't treated as the violent crimes that they are ... We will be watching, because this case brought to light that there is so much more work to be done to hold drunk drivers accountable.|author=MADD|title=Statement in response to Ethan Couch, the 'affluenza teen's' release from jail<ref name="MADD">{{cite press release |title=MADD's statement in response to Ethan Couch, the 'affluenza teen's' release from jail |publisher=Mothers Against Drunk Drivers |location=Irving, TX |date=March 30, 2018 |url=https://www.madd.org/blog/press-release/madds-statement-in-response-to-ethan-couch-the-affluenza-teens-release-from-jail/ |access-date=April 4, 2018 |archive-date=April 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404095806/https://www.madd.org/blog/press-release/madds-statement-in-response-to-ethan-couch-the-affluenza-teens-release-from-jail/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>}}
On March 18, 2019, a Tarrant County judge allowed Couch to remove the GPS ankle monitor,{{Why|date=July 2020}}<ref>{{cite news |last=Brumfield |first=Loyd |title=Judge allows 'affluenza teen' Ethan Couch to shed his ankle monitor |date=March 22, 2019 |work=The Dallas Morning News |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/courts/2019/03/22/judge-allows-affluenza-teen-ethan-couchs-ankle-monitor-removed |access-date=April 17, 2019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020184806/https://www.dallasnews.com/news/courts/2019/03/22/judge-allows-affluenza-teen-ethan-couch-to-shed-his-ankle-monitor/ |archive-date=October 20, 2020}}</ref> but the other conditions of his probation were not lifted.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ramirez |first=Domingo Jr. |title=Ethan Couch allowed to remove GPS monitor, but must comply with other probation rules |date=March 24, 2019 |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article228356999.html |access-date=November 29, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130001555/https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article228356999.html |archive-date=November 30, 2020}}</ref> The Tarrant County District Attorney's Office said they were not notified about the decision.<ref>{{cite news |title=Judge allows Ethan Couch to remove his ankle monitor |date=March 21, 2019 |publisher=KDFW |url=https://www.fox4news.com/news/judge-allows-ethan-couch-to-remove-his-ankle-monitor |access-date=November 29, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810051530/https://www.fox4news.com/news/judge-allows-ethan-couch-to-remove-his-ankle-monitor |archive-date=August 10, 2020}}</ref> Couch was re-arrested on January 2, 2020, accused of violating his probation,<ref name="cnn">{{cite news |last1=Almasy |first1=Steve |last2=Watts |first2=Amanda |title=Ethan Couch, who killed four people in 'affluenza' case, arrested again in Texas |date=January 2, 2020 |publisher=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/02/us/ethan-couch-affluenza-accused-of-probation-violation/index.html |access-date=January 3, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718081438/https://www.cnn.com/2020/01/02/us/ethan-couch-affluenza-accused-of-probation-violation/index.html |archive-date=July 18, 2020}}</ref> and was booked into the Tarrant County Jail. According to court documents Couch tested positive for THC in a mandatory drug screening that was part of his probation.<ref name="abc">{{cite news |last1=Zarrell |first1=Matt |last2=Torres |first2=Ella |title='Affluenza teen' Ethan Couch arrested for probation violation |date=January 3, 2020 |work=ABC News |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/affluenza-teen-ethan-couch-arrested-probation-violation/story?id=68036264 |access-date=January 3, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628094128/https://abcnews.go.com/US/affluenza-teen-ethan-couch-arrested-probation-violation/story?id=68036264 |archive-date=June 28, 2020}}</ref> Couch was released one day later, on January 3, 2020, because authorities could not determine if the positive test result for THC came from illegal marijuana or CBD oil.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gordon |first=Scott |title=Ethan Couch Released from Jail One Day After His Arrest |date=January 3, 2020 |publisher=KXAS-TV |url=https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/ethan-couch-to-be-released-from-jail-one-day-after-his-arrest/2286027/ |access-date=February 13, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200706072343/https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/ethan-couch-to-be-released-from-jail-one-day-after-his-arrest/2286027/ |archive-date=July 6, 2020}}</ref>
==See also== * Robert H. Richards IV * Brock Turner
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Couch, Ethan}} Category:American people convicted of manslaughter Category:Criminals from Texas Category:Driving under the influence Category:Living people Category:People from Burleson, Texas Category:Social privilege Category:Wealth in the United States Category:1997 births Category:People convicted of vehicular homicide