Affluenza Teen Ethan Couch Found, Detained in Mexico

“Affluenza teen” Ethan Couch has been found in Mexico and is presently detained there. The Texas teen from a wealthy family has been a fugitive from justice since breaking his probation an...
Affluenza Teen Ethan Couch Found, Detained in Mexico
Written by Kimberly Ripley
  • “Affluenza teen” Ethan Couch has been found in Mexico and is presently detained there. The Texas teen from a wealthy family has been a fugitive from justice since breaking his probation and going on the lam. The affluenza teen was dubbed as such during his trial for killing four people while driving drunk at the age of 16.

    Reuters reports the teen and his mom, Tonya Couch, disappeared in November, prompting authorities in Tarrant County, Texas, to place Ethan Couch on their most wanted list, and issue a warrant for his arrest.

    The affluenza teen was discovered in Mexico–in the company of his mother–and will be turned over to the U.S. Marshals Service. A Tarrant County official confirmed on Monday that Ethan Couch was being held in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

    Ethan Couch was 16 when he was speeding while driving drunk. His blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit when he slammed into a stranded motorist on the side of the road–killing that motorist, along with three people who had stopped to offer help.

    One of the passengers in the affluenza teen’s vehicle has permanent brain damage.

    The affluenza teen fled to Mexico after a photo turned up on social media, showing him playing beer pong, which was a violation of his probation. Ethan Couch’s father said his son’s passport was missing and the home he shared with his mother was cleared out. The father has been cooperative throughout the investigation.

    It’s uncertain what charges Tonya Couch will face one she is returned to the U.S. from Mexico.

    The affluenza teen will likely serve jail time upon his return from Mexico–instead of probation.

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