16-year-old that Killed 4 Receives 10 Years Probation
A 16-year-old juvenile defendant has been sentenced to 10 years of probation on Tuesday following his involvement in a DUI crash that took the lives of four early this summer.
While Judge Jean Boyd could have sentenced Ethan Couch to 16 to 20 years behind bars, instead the youth was given probation.
Youth pastor Brian Jennings; mother and daughter Hollie and Shelby Boyles; and 24-year-old Breanna Mitchell died in the June 15 accident.
Alex Lumas, whose brother was paralyzed as a result of the accident, expressed disbelief at the judge’s sentence.
According to investigations conducted in June, authorities estimated that Couch was driving his vehicle, a pickup truck, between 68 and 70 miles-per-hour a 40 mph zone. Four people were killed and nine were injured in the crash.
Tarrant County Sheriff Dee Anderson said that Couch had a blood alcohol content of 0.24; a level that is four times the legal limit for an adult. However in all 50 states in the U.S., it is illegal for a minor to consume any amount of alcohol.
Underage drinking in the state of Texas is considered a crime. The parents that supplied not only the alcohol but also the vehicle that injured and took the lives of others are going to face very stiff civil penalties. In all likelihood they could lose their insurance and their business and private property for having been too liberal with their son.
If you have experienced a loss or damage or have been injured due to an underage or any other kind of drunk driver, give our offices a call. Our attorneys have years of experience in prosecuting DUI criminal and civil lawsuits. We are dedicated to recovering restitution for damages for our clients and holding those responsible accountable for their actions. You and your loved ones deserve to see that justice is served. If the case involves a drunk driver, our lawyers have extensive experience in the Dallas Fort Worth court. Our lawyers can help with any insurance hurdles that might come up. We are here to help. Your initial consultation and legal analysis is free.
