Warrant issued for 'affluenza' teen
FORT WORTH — A warrant has been issued for the Texas teen whose attorneys used an "affluenza" defense at his trial for a fatal drunken-driving accident two years ago.
According to Ethan Couch's attorneys, his juvenile probation officer hasn't been able to reach Couch or his mother.
In a statement, attorneys Scott Brown and Wm. Reagan Wynn said: "We have recently learned that, for the last several days, the juvenile probation officer has been unable to make contact with Ethan or his mother with whom he has been residing. It is our understanding that the Court has issued a directive to apprehend to have Ethan detained because he is out of contact with his probation officer."
'Affluenza' teen's deposition gives insight into fatal crash
Couch, 18, is serving 10 years of probation in the juvenile system.
Couch was behind the wheel of his family's white pickup truck in June 2013 when it plowed into a group of good Samaritans trying to help a stranded driver. Four people were killed and nearly a dozen others were injured.
During the criminal trial, Couch's psychologist testified Couch was a victim of "affluenza," saying he had grown up with a sense of entitlement and developed poor judgment after being coddled by his wealthy parents.
District Judge Jean Boyd determined he would be better served in treatment programs outside the juvenile justice system. Couch spent time in treatment at the Vernon State hospital in west Texas and was released several months ago.
Dad of 'affluenza' teen accused of impersonating police
Recently a cellphone video surfaced that appears to show Couch at a beer pong game with friends in October. The Tarrant County District Attorney's Office assigned investigators to look into the video.
In a statement, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, an advocacy group seeking to end drunk driving, was dismayed at Couch's conduct.
" ‘Affluenza’ aside, Ethan Couch appears to show blatant disregard for the law, and he must be held accountable," said Colleen Sheehy-Church, national president of MADD. "The families impacted will never have their loved ones back; Ethan Couch must have consequences for his actions."
Prosecutors had already filed a motion to transfer Couch to adult court to finish his probation.
A hearing on that motion has not yet been held. Couch turns 19 in April.
Contributing: Todd Unger, WFAA-TV, Dallas-Fort Worth; USA TODAY.
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