Judge Says Parents of Affluenza Teen Ethan Couch Will Only Pay Small Fraction of Rehab Facility Costs
Looks like another victory for 'Affluenza Teen' Ethan Couch and his family.
Although the 17-year-old will not be residing at the cushy $450,000-a-year rehabilitation center near Newport Beach, Calif. as per his family's request, State District Judge Jean Boyd has ordered that Couch attend the North Texas State Hospital in rural Vernon.
The Texas rehab center ordered by the court is also quite expensive. It is reportedly estimated to cost $715 a day, but the Couch family will only be responsible for paying a fraction of that; the Couches will pay a mere $1,170 a month. That's less than two days of treatment.
The news may come as a shock to some but for many it is probably less than surprising. After all, Ethan Couch is known for copping deals despite his irresponsible behavior; hence his coined nickname 'Affluenza Teen.'
Last year, Couch was involved in a DUI accident that killed four people and severely injured two more. Though his irresponsible and careless driving caused the death of innocent lives, Couch did not receive any jail time. Instead he got 10 years probation.
According to USA Today, Couch's defense team argued that Couch was coddled into a sense of irresponsibility brought on by his parents, which is why he drove recklessly under the influence. Couch was driving under the influence of Valium and with an alcohol blood level of 0.24, which is three times the adult limit. Couch's defense expert named the irresponsible behavioral condition, "affluenza."
The Daily Mail reports that moments prior to the fatal accident, Pastor Jennings and Hollie Boyles had pulled over separately at the side of a Burleson, Texas road to help Breanna Mitchell, whose tire had blown out. Couch was speeding at around 70 mph, and he hit the group killing all three plus Mrs Boyles's daughter, Shelby, who was with her at the time.
Couch also seriously injured two of his friends who were in the car with him. One of his friends, Sergio Lemuus, was left paralyzed after the accident.
Since the crash, victims have sued the Couch family and have reached confidential settlements. However, Kevin McConnell, the father of a child who was injured in the wreck, isn't taking the money and has instead opted for a jury trial.