Ethan Couch, the Texas teen whose lawyers were somehow able convince a judge that he is too rich and privileged to understand the consequences of his actions, has been arrested in Mexico, after breaking his probation.
At the age of 16, Couch killed four people and injured nine while driving drunk, but a psychologist who testified on his behalf famously claimed he suffered from ‘affluenza‘, a condition of his wealthy upbringing that has left him with an inability to tell right from wrong.
He was convicted of four counts of intoxication manslaughter, but was not imprisoned, instead being handed a suspended sentence ordered to undergo mental health treatment while serving 10 years of probation.
The internet was furious at Couch for a while, then sort of forgot about him, until earlier this month, when a video emerged on social media that showed him amongst a group playing beer pong.
The video was widely shared, with many pointing out that drinking is a violation of his probation. After Couch’s parole officer couldn’t reach him, it was assumed he had gone on the run, and a warrant for his arrest was issued.
Overnight, the now-18-year-old Couch and his mother were taken into custody in the resort town of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. They reportedly “could not prove their legal status in Mexico”, and will be deported to the U.S.
A booking picture shared by Mexican authorities and seen above shows the once-blonde Couch with his hair dyed a darker colour, suggesting he was trying to conceal his identity while hiding out.
Once returned to the U.S., Couch will likely face juvenile court for violating his probation, although Tarrant County Sheriff Dee Anderson hopes to have his case transferred to adult court.
“I would like for him to be held accountable as I’ve said all along,” Anderson said.
His mother Tonya Couch will be taken into custody.
Story: ABC News
Photo: Twitter
