Ethan Couch, the wealthy teen from Texas who was involved in a drunk-driving case in 2013 which resulted in the deaths of four individuals, was arrested along with his mother by law enforcers in Mexico for violating his probation. According to authorities, the duo most likely traveled to the country as part of their escape.
Couch made headlines two years ago due to a controversial court case. At that time, Couch was convicted of manslaughter due to a fatal drunk-driving crash. He was supposed to receive a 20-year jail time but the judge presiding over the case sentenced him to 10 years of probation instead, Reuters reported.
The controversial decision was influenced by an argument used by Couch's legal camp. According to his lawyers, the teen was suffering from affluenza, a psychological condition which caused some individuals from a very wealthy background to misjudge the difference between right and wrong.
As part of his sentence, Couch is required to stay in the country for 10 years and regularly coordinate with his parole officer. However, earlier this month, the officer said that he could not reach Couch. This immediately prompted law enforcers to carry out a manhunt for the teen, according to CNN.
Couch and his mother, Tonya, were traced by the U.S. Marshals living in a resort town in Mexico. Witnesses say he was sporting black hair. But during the trial in 2013, Couch had brown hair. This could be a way for the suspect to disguise his identity from authorities, as per a report from ABC News.
The agency immediately alerted local authorities in the area about the fugitive's whereabouts which immediately led to the mother and son's arrest. Law enforcers also noted that before leaving the country, Couch threw a farewell party with his friends. Officers are already analyzing a video showing the teen drinking alcohol during the party as part of their investigation. According to them, the video can be used as an evidence to support Couch's probation violations.
Couch is currently detained in Mexico but will be turned over to U.S. authorities within the next few days. He is scheduled to appear in court on January 19, 2016.
