Rich Texas Teenager Who Killed Four People While Driving Drunk a Victim of ‘Affluenza’

A rich teenager in Texas who killed four people while driving under the influence of drugs and drink got a slap on the wrist after his lawyers argued he was the victim of “affluenza.”

Ethan Couch received 10 years probation — rather than the possible 20-year jail term he faced as a result of his irresponsible actions.

I really have no words for this story.

Dr. G. Dick Miller, a psychologist hired by the defence said Couch was never disciplined, abused alcohol and had “freedoms no young person should have,” including being allowed to drive when he was 13.

“The teen never learned to say that you’re sorry if you hurt someone,” Dr. Miller added, according to a report in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “If you hurt someone, you sent him money.”

Couch was a victim of “affluenza,” a rich-kid syndrome that led him to believe money solved everything.

Photo: James Cridland

Support The Billfold

The Billfold continues to exist thanks to support from our readers. Help us continue to do our work by making a monthly pledge on Patreon or a one-time-only contribution through PayPal.