Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Texas

Texas Teen Sentenced to Probation for Killing Four While Driving Drunk

Ethan Couch, a 16-year-old who killed four people and injured nine others in a drunk driving crash last June, won't serve any jail time, after a decision handed down by a Texas judge yesterday. In a case that is stirring national outrage, State District Judge Jean Boyd sentenced Couch to 10 years probation.

Couch's blood alcohol level was 0.24 when he struck and killed youth pastor Brian Jennings, mother and daughter Hollie and Shelby Boyles, and 24-year-old Breanna Mitchell. Jennings and the Boyleses had stopped to help Mitchell, who had a flat tire, on a road in Tarrant County, near Fort Worth. A total of 16 people were involved in the multi-car pile-up Couch caused when he crashed into the group. One of Couch's passengers is still hospitalized with severe brain damage.

Prosecutors had sought a 20 year prison term. But defense attorneys successfully argued that Couch, who comes from a wealthy family, was a victim of "affluenza," and that as a result of his privilege did not recognize there were consequences to his behavior. Gawker reports that Couch will spend time in a $500,000-a-year treatment center.

Local station WFAA reports that disappointed friends and family of the victims left the courthouse through the back door following the decision.

“There are just some things that even today … are just too difficult to talk about," said Eric Boyles, whose wife and daughter were killed. "At this point, we are trying to take life one day at a time. I do look forward to the day that we can put some of this behind us. Today could have been a good start at that … and unfortunately the wounds that it opened only makes the healing process that much greater."

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Friday Video: Are We All Living in a ‘Carspiracy’?

How does "car-brain" shape the way we think about the world — even in relatively bike-friendly countries like the U.K.?

July 26, 2024

Friday’s Headlines Share and Share Alike

Bikeshares, and e-bikes and scooters generally, are becoming more popular. That's led to more injuries, highlighting the need for better infrastructure.

July 26, 2024

What the Heck is Going on With the California E-Bike Incentive Program?

The program's launch has been delayed for two years, and currently "there is no specific timeline" for it. Plus the administrator, Pedal Ahead, is getting dragged, but details are vague.

July 26, 2024

Talking Headways Podcast: Have Cities Run Out of Land?

Chris Redfearn of USC and Anthony Orlando of Cal Poly Pomona on why "pro-business" Texas housing markets are catching up to "pro-regulation" California and what it might mean for future city growth.

July 25, 2024

The Paris Plan for Olympic Traffic? Build More Bike Lanes

A push to make Paris fully bikable for the Olympics is already paying dividends long before the opening ceremonies.

July 25, 2024
See all posts