'Affluenza' Teen And His Mother Detained In Mexico

[gault]

Dec 29, 2015 19:15:26 GMT -5 nursewife said:

Dec 29, 2015 18:14:06 GMT -5 miniroller said:

I just cannot imagine being a loved one of the four people killed by his reckless disregard. The huge amount of rage I feel toward the Couch's has to be minimal compared to people who knew the poor victim's of this asshole's insolence. I only wish there was a legitimate, not necessarily vengeful, way of making him feel/ see/ realize the pain & suffering that he has caused.

I keep thinking of this too. He's clearly treated his crime and punishment like a joke, and I can't even begin to imagine how that must make the families feel. It must be hell that him and his family seems to think the lives he took was no big deal. I completely agree, I wish there was a way they could make him see the pain this has caused him. Personally, the driver that hit us (obviously different, as she didn't kill us, we were lucky) seemed to think it was no big deal. It still bothers me, 4 years later that I haven't been able to do a victim impact statement so she could see just how much damage she did to us that day. If there was a death involved, I really don't think it would have ever got back to the point of functioning like normal. The pain and anger would just be too much.

Why don't you write it anyway? For yourself, to heal.

[boxertdog]

I really hope they charge the mom with helping him escape. She clearly hasn't learned the value of consequences.

[nursewife]

Dec 29, 2015 19:39:18 GMT -5 gault said:

Dec 29, 2015 19:15:26 GMT -5 nursewife said:

I keep thinking of this too. He's clearly treated his crime and punishment like a joke, and I can't even begin to imagine how that must make the families feel. It must be hell that him and his family seems to think the lives he took was no big deal. I completely agree, I wish there was a way they could make him see the pain this has caused him. Personally, the driver that hit us (obviously different, as she didn't kill us, we were lucky) seemed to think it was no big deal. It still bothers me, 4 years later that I haven't been able to do a victim impact statement so she could see just how much damage she did to us that day. If there was a death involved, I really don't think it would have ever got back to the point of functioning like normal. The pain and anger would just be too much.

Why don't you write it anyway? For yourself, to heal.

I really should. If I allow myself to think about the damage she did to me and my family, I still get mad. Time has made it better, but I would love to think about her and feel nothing. Or just stop thinking about her. Therapy certainly helped, it certainly isn't a cure. 

[laurenpetro]

Do I want the guy raped? No, of course not. I don't want anyone to be raped.

I don't, however, have a problem with him living in fear of being raped.

[ttt]

Dec 29, 2015 21:27:07 GMT -5 Dig Ophelia said:

Why the fuck does this idiot kid or anyone deserve to be raped or live in fear of being raped, here?!

Because he killed four people, left one paralyzed where he can only communicate by blinking, and has expressed not a smidge of remorse about it, and continues with the same behaviors that could very well kill more people? That's why - I mean, if there's a reason to wish that on someone....

For my part, I at the very least hope he had continuous food poisoning for his time in Mexican jail.

[ttt]

Did we already discuss how the same judge who gave him ten years probation, in 2004, gave 20 years to a 16 year old teen who killed one person while driving drunk? Oh but that kid was poor and black...

[annieblah]

I hope he goes to jail. Her too.

The way some throw around hope he gets raped is startling. Rape is never funny. Ick

[jojoandleo]

Dec 29, 2015 21:27:07 GMT -5 Dig Ophelia said:

Why the fuck does this idiot kid or anyone deserve to be raped or live in fear of being raped, here?!

Can't we all just...not...wish rape on people?

I hope the kid goes to jail.  And I don't think the kid deserves a normal life now, but rape?  Come on people.  We are better than that.  

[lilchubbs]

I hope he will finally have some real consequences for his actions, even if it is just 120 days in jail (I'd prefer more, but I don't make the laws). If the problem is he hasn't ever had adequate consequences for his behavior, then logic would lead lead the judge to say, "I need to show him what consequences are since no one else will do it," not give him yet another break. Any yahoo with half a bit of understanding about behavior would tell you that if you want to change behavior, you have to change the contingencies, not maintain the ones that didn't work in the first place.

I hope one day he recognizes the actual impact of his lack of regard for anyone but himself even though it seems unlikely given that a year away from his parents in therapy doesn't seem to have changed him. I hope his mother has to deal with what she has also done. And the judge should find himself new employment.

[cookiemdough]

Dec 30, 2015 10:04:58 GMT -5 Dig Ophelia said:

Dec 30, 2015 7:13:02 GMT -5 ttt said:

Because he killed four people, left one paralyzed where he can only communicate by blinking, and has expressed not a smidge of remorse about it, and continues with the same behaviors that could very well kill more people? That's why - I mean, if there's a reason to wish that on someone....

For my part, I at the very least hope he had continuous food poisoning for his time in Mexican jail.

So rape is just the natural consequence for committing a crime and/or for being a bad person?

Why not just have all the town elders gather together and gang rape him in streets and everyone can go watch and cheer?  


I thought most people were generally against people being tortured, on this board.  And most seem to definitely be against the death penalty (though I'm not), so wishing someone to be tortured via rape and then via the lovely PTSD that follows, seems, a little, uh, inhumane.  I mean, I can sometimes get on board with 'an eye for an eye', but this is more an ass for an eye and I can't get on board with wishing rape on anyone, especially when that particular punishment wouldn't be anywhere fitting to the crime.  

So I am not in agreement with whatever rape tangent has popped up in this thread, but he killed four people. His crime was pretty heinous. I am not following the ass for an eye argument here.

That is all i really have. This thread has gone off the rails lol.

[ttt]

Dec 30, 2015 10:04:58 GMT -5 Dig Ophelia said:

Dec 30, 2015 7:13:02 GMT -5 ttt said:

Because he killed four people, left one paralyzed where he can only communicate by blinking, and has expressed not a smidge of remorse about it, and continues with the same behaviors that could very well kill more people? That's why - I mean, if there's a reason to wish that on someone....

For my part, I at the very least hope he had continuous food poisoning for his time in Mexican jail.

So rape is just the natural consequence for committing a crime and/or for being a bad person?

Why not just have all the town elders gather together and gang rape him in streets and everyone can go watch and cheer?  


I thought most people were generally against people being tortured, on this board.  And most seem to definitely be against the death penalty (though I'm not), so wishing someone to be tortured via rape and then via the lovely PTSD that follows, seems, a little, uh, inhumane.  I mean, I can sometimes get on board with 'an eye for an eye', but this is more an ass for an eye and I can't get on board with wishing rape on anyone, especially when that particular punishment wouldn't be anywhere fitting to the crime.  

You asked what he did to deserve people wishing him to be raped or have to fear rape. I answered: he killed four people and essentially condemned another to a lifetime of living hell. He destroyed many lives and doesn't even give a shit about it, and keeps up the same behavior that could very well destroy more lives. That's what he did to deserve it.

I'm not personally wishing rape on him, but I'm not mad at those who did. He committed a horrible, horrible crime and he seems to have zero cares about his victims or even not doing it again.


FWIW I'm against the state torturing people as a matter of principle. I don't think institutional torture should be part of a constitutional system. That doesn't mean I'm sorry when horrible things happen to horrible people.

[sparrowsong]

(CNN)Ethan Couch and his mother are fighting to delay their return to Texas from Mexico, Tarrant County Sheriff Dee Anderson said Wednesday.

Couch -- the so-called "affluenza teen" -- has filed a court action to delay his return, Anderson said. The pair had been expected to come back to the United States Wednesday, but it now appears they're trying to stall the process.

"No chance they get back today. Could be tomorrow, could be later than that," the sheriff added.

Anderson said he did not have details on the court action but explained he had been told by U.S. Marshals Service that Couch would not be returning Wednesday.



What does this mean? What court action are they able to file here?

[emisi]

Dec 30, 2015 13:06:35 GMT -5 sparrowsong said:

(CNN)Ethan Couch and his mother are fighting to delay their return to Texas from Mexico, Tarrant County Sheriff Dee Anderson said Wednesday.

Couch -- the so-called "affluenza teen" -- has filed a court action to delay his return, Anderson said. The pair had been expected to come back to the United States Wednesday, but it now appears they're trying to stall the process.

"No chance they get back today. Could be tomorrow, could be later than that," the sheriff added.

Anderson said he did not have details on the court action but explained he had been told by U.S. Marshals Service that Couch would not be returning Wednesday.



What does this mean? What court action are they able to file here?

So they want to stay in Mexican jail?  Fine by me.  Not exactly a step up in terms of jail environs.

[sparrowsong]

A better article from aljazeera.

Plans to return a teen fugitive to the United States from Mexico hit a speed bump after Mexican officials announced on Wednesday that the Texas native had won a temporary stay against deportation.

Ethan Couch, 18, and his mother, Tonya Couch, were being held at immigration offices in Guadalajara, authorities said.

Couch was sentenced to 10 years of probation for killing four people while driving drunk in 2013. During the sentencing phase of Couch's trial in Texas, a defense expert argued that his wealthy parents coddled him into a sense of irresponsibility — a condition the expert termed "affluenza." The condition is not recognized as a medical diagnosis by the American Psychiatric Association, and its invocation drew ridicule.

A U.S. Marshals Service agent tipped local authorities off Monday to the location of Couch and his mother, according to a police report issued by the Jalisco state prosecutors' office. Couch disappeared as authorities investigated whether he had violated the terms of his probation.

Mexican police say the fugitive “affluenza” teenager and his mother spent three days in a rented condo at a resort development in Puerto Vallarta before finding an apartment in a less glitzy area where they were found by police.

On Monday evening, detectives approached two people on a street matching the Couches' description. The police report said they showed an “evasive attitude,” gave inconsistent stories about their names and failed to provide proof of their legal migratory status in Mexico.

“They were confusing about their names and mentioned they had no identification and no immigration documents,” the report said.

They were taken into custody and handed over to immigration officials.

Tarrant County Sheriff Dee Anderson said Tuesday that the Couches had prepared to be gone a while, even dyeing Couch's blond hair black.

“They had planned to disappear. They even had something that was almost akin to a going-away party before leaving town,” Anderson said. He would not give details about the event, including how many people attended.

Anderson said Couch and his mother apparently crossed the border in her pickup and drove to Puerto Vallarta. It was not clear whether they had any accomplices.

No immediate charges were planned for others who may have known about or assisted with the flight plan, Anderson said. He said authorities have no evidence that Couch's father, who owns a sheet metal factory in North Texas, was involved.

The sheriff has said he believes the two fled in late November after a video surfaced that appears to show Couch at a party where people were drinking. Authorities had begun searching for the pair after Ethan Couch missed a mandatory appointment with his probation officer on Dec. 10.

If found to be drinking, Couch's probation could be revoked and he could face up to four months in jail. Once returned to Texas, Couch will be held in a Tarrant County facility until a probation violation hearing Jan. 19.

Tarrant County District Attorney Sharen Wilson said that at the hearing she plans to ask a judge to transfer Ethan Couch's case to adult court. Couch would then face up to 120 days in an adult jail, followed by 10-year probation. If he violates probation, he could face up to 10 years in prison per death, Wilson said.

If the judge declines to transfer Couch to adult court, Wilson will ask that his probation be revoked, in which case he could be held in a juvenile facility until his sentence expires when he turns 19 next April.

Anderson said an arrest warrant was being issued for Tonya Couch on charges of hindering an apprehension, a third-degree felony that carries a sentence of two to 10 years in prison.

[meshaliuknits]

Dec 30, 2015 13:23:27 GMT -5 emisi said:

Dec 30, 2015 13:06:35 GMT -5 sparrowsong said:

(CNN)Ethan Couch and his mother are fighting to delay their return to Texas from Mexico, Tarrant County Sheriff Dee Anderson said Wednesday.

Couch -- the so-called "affluenza teen" -- has filed a court action to delay his return, Anderson said. The pair had been expected to come back to the United States Wednesday, but it now appears they're trying to stall the process.

"No chance they get back today. Could be tomorrow, could be later than that," the sheriff added.

Anderson said he did not have details on the court action but explained he had been told by U.S. Marshals Service that Couch would not be returning Wednesday.



What does this mean? What court action are they able to file here?

So they want to stay in Mexican jail?  Fine by me.  Not exactly a step up in terms of jail environs.

Right? I could see wanting to hang out in a Norwegian jail.

[StrawberryBlondie]

So, is he in Mexican jail now?

[gretchenindisguise]

Dec 30, 2015 13:27:08 GMT -5 sparrowsong said:

A better article from aljazeera.

Plans to return a teen fugitive to the United States from Mexico hit a speed bump after Mexican officials announced on Wednesday that the Texas native had won a temporary stay against deportation.

Ethan Couch, 18, and his mother, Tonya Couch, were being held at immigration offices in Guadalajara, authorities said.

Couch was sentenced to 10 years of probation for killing four people while driving drunk in 2013. During the sentencing phase of Couch's trial in Texas, a defense expert argued that his wealthy parents coddled him into a sense of irresponsibility — a condition the expert termed "affluenza." The condition is not recognized as a medical diagnosis by the American Psychiatric Association, and its invocation drew ridicule.

A U.S. Marshals Service agent tipped local authorities off Monday to the location of Couch and his mother, according to a police report issued by the Jalisco state prosecutors' office. Couch disappeared as authorities investigated whether he had violated the terms of his probation.

Mexican police say the fugitive “affluenza” teenager and his mother spent three days in a rented condo at a resort development in Puerto Vallarta before finding an apartment in a less glitzy area where they were found by police.

On Monday evening, detectives approached two people on a street matching the Couches' description. The police report said they showed an “evasive attitude,” gave inconsistent stories about their names and failed to provide proof of their legal migratory status in Mexico.

“They were confusing about their names and mentioned they had no identification and no immigration documents,” the report said.

They were taken into custody and handed over to immigration officials.

Tarrant County Sheriff Dee Anderson said Tuesday that the Couches had prepared to be gone a while, even dyeing Couch's blond hair black.

“They had planned to disappear. They even had something that was almost akin to a going-away party before leaving town,” Anderson said. He would not give details about the event, including how many people attended.

Anderson said Couch and his mother apparently crossed the border in her pickup and drove to Puerto Vallarta. It was not clear whether they had any accomplices.

No immediate charges were planned for others who may have known about or assisted with the flight plan, Anderson said. He said authorities have no evidence that Couch's father, who owns a sheet metal factory in North Texas, was involved.

The sheriff has said he believes the two fled in late November after a video surfaced that appears to show Couch at a party where people were drinking. Authorities had begun searching for the pair after Ethan Couch missed a mandatory appointment with his probation officer on Dec. 10.

If found to be drinking, Couch's probation could be revoked and he could face up to four months in jail. Once returned to Texas, Couch will be held in a Tarrant County facility until a probation violation hearing Jan. 19.

Tarrant County District Attorney Sharen Wilson said that at the hearing she plans to ask a judge to transfer Ethan Couch's case to adult court. Couch would then face up to 120 days in an adult jail, followed by 10-year probation. If he violates probation, he could face up to 10 years in prison per death, Wilson said.

If the judge declines to transfer Couch to adult court, Wilson will ask that his probation be revoked, in which case he could be held in a juvenile facility until his sentence expires when he turns 19 next April.

Anderson said an arrest warrant was being issued for Tonya Couch on charges of hindering an apprehension, a third-degree felony that carries a sentence of two to 10 years in prison.

So our criminals are crossing the border in the dead of night to illegally immigrate to Mexico? We're sending them our murderers?

Maybe they will build the wall after all.

[MarmeeNoir]

I'm not wishing rape on the dude, but I'm not above wishing for his life to be worse than the person he injured most.

[sangria]

I'd REALLY like to read the document that caused a judge to issue a stay on their deportation.

[ttt]

Dec 30, 2015 14:55:10 GMT -5 sangria said:

I'd REALLY like to read the document that caused a judge to issue a stay on their deportation.

I found a copy of it online: 

[sangria]

Dec 30, 2015 15:21:44 GMT -5 ttt said:

Dec 30, 2015 14:55:10 GMT -5 sangria said:

I'd REALLY like to read the document that caused a judge to issue a stay on their deportation.

I found a copy of it online: 

Heh. 

[penguingrrl]

I'm disgusted at the idea that raping him is okay. That's never okay.

He does belong in jail for a long time given that he has shown no remorse after killing people. I don't know that he's able to be reformed.

[boxertdog]

Dec 29, 2015 17:01:28 GMT -5 @licia said:

Dec 29, 2015 17:00:05 GMT -5 MarmeeNoir said:

I have very little confidence he will be rehabilitated.

1: He got away with killing and severely injuring people.
2: Still drinking
3: He fucking ran.

And ran with the support of his parent. 

Even if he spends time in prison rehabilitating his world view, he's still got an inner circle of people who clearly don't think the consequences apply to them.

He also has crazy eyes. Dude is likely a sociopath.

[orangeblossom]

No one in this family seems smart or have any morals. Actually, I'll extend that to their friends and family, because 1. who the hell attends a "going away/skipping probation party and 2. Goes to said party and not say this is a terrible idea.

Entitlement all around these folks.

[Deleted]

I still watch, enjoy, and laugh at Office Space.

I guess that means I condone prison rape.

This kid is a waste of skin. I hope he discovers that someday.

[boxertdog]

Dec 30, 2015 21:17:57 GMT -5 orangeblossom said:

No one in this family seems smart or have any morals. Actually, I'll extend that to their friends and family, because 1. who the hell attends a "going away/skipping probation party and 2. Goes to said party and not say this is a terrible idea.

Entitlement all around these folks.

Yep. Totally dysfunctional people tend to.... Come in groups, it seems like.

[dianecourt]

I really wish I could figure out how to post the picture, but isn't it punishment enough that Mother Couch looks like Carrot Top?

www.vanityfair.com/news/2015/12/affluenza-teen-ethan-couch-delayed-in-mexico-mom-charged-in-texas

[sparrowsong]

Yeah, I don't mean to be shallow but every picture I see of them, I'm just like, "these don't look like people with money." I guess they just aren't spending it on haircuts.

[ttt]

So apparently they found a gun in their hotel room:

abcnews.go.com/International/mexican-hotel-workers-affluenza-teen-mom-gun-room/story?id=36029202

Gun control laws in Mexico are very strict, so it was almost certainly not a legal gun.