Ethan Couch, the Texas teen known as the “affluenza teen,” is on the run, presumably with his mother. Couch was convicted of driving drunk and killing four people when he was 16. His only sentence was that of probation. He did no jail time at all. His defense team coined the phrase “affluenza teen,” saying Ethan Couch was “raised so coddled that he never learned a sense of responsibility.”
Manhunt intensifies for ‘affluenza’ teen Ethan Couch who was convicted of killing 4 people. https://t.co/E2rLN1B06Z pic.twitter.com/NBQuzzTi5h
— ABC News (@ABC) December 22, 2015
It was just over a week ago that Ethan Couch was spotted in a photo posted to social media. In it he was playing beer pong. The specifics of his probation state he cannot consume–or knowingly be near–alcohol. When his probation officer tried to reach him, he was nowhere to be found. It was determined shortly thereafter that his mother, Tanya Couch, is missing, too.
Manhunt intensifies for 18-year-old 'affluenza' teen Ethan Couch: https://t.co/9Re0QVsh9u pic.twitter.com/PMeaSHbJCj
— ABC News (@ABC) December 21, 2015
On Monday, the Tarrant County, Texas sheriff’s office announced that Ethan’s mother Tonya Couch was listed as a missing person and that she may be helping her son.
“We believe she is helping or assisting him but we can’t even prove they are together at this time,” said Sheriff Dee Anderson, according to CNN.
Sheriff to missing 'affluenza' teen Ethan Couch: "We're going to find you" https://t.co/KU44IxWp9Q pic.twitter.com/eISEMYOYBY
— CNN (@CNN) December 18, 2015
If it is proven that Tanya Couch helped Ethan Couch hide from authorities, it will shed much light on what is already an unfathomable situation. In addition to his “affluenza teen” defense, Ethan Couch’s mom clearly doesn’t feel he should suffer any consequences.
Just-In: U.S. Marshals and the FBI have officially joined the search for Ethan Couch https://t.co/8FA15tim3D pic.twitter.com/scZIasjb1N
— NBC DFW (@NBCDFW) December 17, 2015
This ordeal involving the disappearance of Ethan Couch no doubt jabs at the hearts of those who lost loved ones when he drove drunk two years ago.