The verdict given to a Texas teenager, Ethan Couch was a source of disappointment to the families of accident victims. For them, Ethan Couch was a killer on the road, a drunken teenage driver who caused a crash that left four people dead. The judge had given Couch ten years’ probation sentence and no jail time explaining that he is in need of treatment. The defendant psychologist called him the product of “affluenza” literally translated as a product of wealthy, privileged parents who never set limits for the boy.
The two victims were identified as Hollie Boyles and daughter, Shelby. The report added that they left their home to help Breanna Mitchell, whose SUV had broken down. Brian Jennings, a youth pastor, was driving past and also stopped to help. It was disclosed that all four individuals were killed when the teen’s pickup plowed into the pedestrians on a road in Burleson, south of Fort Worth. Couch’s vehicle also struck a parked car, which then slid into another vehicle headed in the opposite direction.
Two people riding in the bed of the teen’s pickup were tossed in the crash and severely injured. One is no longer able to move or talk because of a brain injury, while the other suffered internal injuries and broken bones.
The accident primarily occurred after Couch and some friends stole beer from a local Walmart last June 15. It was reported by the district attorney’s office that three hours after the crash, tests showed he had a blood alcohol content of 0.24, three times the legal limit.
The families of the victims believe that Couch was privilege to get what they considered as “light sentence”. They questioned the fairness of the verdict and think that wealth could be a factor in this decision. Assistant District Attorney Richard Alpert is disappointed and feels powerless under the law to change or overturn the decision. He believes this verdict added to the pain and suffering of the victims’ families.
Christensen & Hymas hopes that the families will gain strength and support to move on during these very difficult times. Call us at (801)-506-0800 for any inquiries on personal injury. If a reckless person caused your injuries, you deserve to be compensated. Compensation will cover hospitalization cost, therapy, and wrongful death, loss of current and future income, pain and suffering. Act now and get the best advice.
Original article by Dana Ford of CNN
Image courtesy of ABC news.