Killed: Hollie Boyles, 52, and her daughter, Shelby Boyles, 21, were helping out the driver of a broken down SUV when they were struck and killed by Couch's out-of-control pickup.
[From article]
The mother of 'affluenza' teenager Ethan Couch - who killed four in a DUI crash but was let off with probation - said she could not remember the last time she punished him, deposition tapes revealed.
Couch, who was 16 at the time of the crash in 2013, had seven friends in his father's pick-up truck when he plowed into a vehicle on the side of the road.
Despite four people being killed and several others injured by Couch, who was three times over the blood alcohol limit, he was not jailed and was instead given 10 years' probation after his legal team argued his millionaire parents coddled him into irresponsibility, using the term 'affluenza'.
[. . .]
Recordings of his parents' out-of-court testimony, obtained by ABC News, have now revealed that his mother Tonya Couch could not remember the last time she disciplined her son - who never apologized to the victims.
She and Fred Couch did not testify before court so this is the first time the public has heard them speak under oath.
When asked how she punished her son when he did wrong, she said: 'Sometimes ... take little things away from him or we would just discuss the problems.'
But when she tried to recall the last time she disciplined Couch, she said: 'I don't remember.'
[. . .]
'I've taken Valium, Hydrocodone, marijuana, cocaine, Xanax and I think I tried ecstasy once, pretty sure that was it,' he said.
The tapes are from a civil suit brought against Couch, his parents and their sheet metal company Cleburne Sheet Metal - where Couch now works - in 2013.
The fatal DUI crash killed Hollie Boyles, 52, her daughter,Shelby Boyles, 21, pastor Brian Jennings, 41, and Breanna Mitchell.
The Boyles and Mr Jennings were helping Ms Mitchell after her car broke down at the time of the tragedy.
Victim: Breanna Mitchell killed in the horrific crash in 2013.
Couch pleaded guilty to four counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault, but was not given a jail sentence.
He has never apologized to his victims. The families of those who died have received undisclosed payouts from Couch's parents, as has the family of a man left severely disabled following the crash.
After Couch's sentencing, Eric Boyles, whose wife and daughter were killed, spoke of his fury at the leniency of the judge.
Victim: Brian Jennings, 41, killed in the horrific crash in 2013.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3276704/Mother-affluenza-teenager-killed-four-horror-DUI-crash-not-jailed-not-remember-time-punished-deposition-tapes-reveal.html
Millionaire mom of 'affluenza' teen who was spared jail after killing four in DUI crash could not remember the last time she punished him as victims families say he STILL hasn't apologized
Ethan Couch killed four people after drunkenly crashing into a stranded car
Boy, 16, was let off with 10 years' probation despite 70mph horror smash
Legal team argued he did not understand responsibility because of his wealthy upbringing - calling it 'affluenza'
Deposition tapes from a civil case reveal his mother could not remember the last time she punished him
Tonya Couch did not tell Ethan's father their son was drunk when police caught him urinating in public just months before the fatal crash
She insisted under oath she had never seen her son drink but a friend of Ethan's said Ms Couch saw them drinking a week before the tragedy
By Ollie Gillman For Dailymail.com
Published: 19:12 EST, 16 October 2015 | Updated: 00:38 EST, 17 October 2015
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http://abc.go.com/shows/2020/listing/2015-10/16-2020-101615-a-case-of-affluenza
20/20 ABC News
Nightline
A Case of Affluenza
October 16, 2015
Three good samaritans killed instnatly by only child Ethan Couch, 16-year-old drunk driver in Tarrant County Texas, near Dallas. Three hours after the crash his blood alcohol content was three times the limit for an adult. Richard Alpert ADA, took depositions. Ethan began drinking at about 6 PM. Five teens stole beer from Walmart. Decided to go to convenience store drunk. Speed was about 68 MPH, no braking at impact. Father, Brian Jennings, youth Pastor one of victims.
Ethan went to Newport Academy a treatment spa in CA. Dr. Dick Miller, testified that Ethan was showered with everything except responsibility, "affluenza." Began driving at 13. Regularly drove drunk. Occupied empty parents' house with swimming pool. Charged with four counts of homicide. Admitted guilt.
Sentenced to ten years probation and rehabilitation. Juvenile Judge Jean Boyd, sentenced Ethan Couch.
Articles "The Affluenza Society," "The Worst Parents Ever" about this case.
Five families sued Couch's. Four settled, without admitting guilt. No apology. McConnell family refused to settle. Cootz & Cochran lawyers, Fred Couch, father arrested for drunk driving. Told arresting officer, "I make more in a day than you make in a year." Ethan previously arrested for urinating in public with half naked passed out drunk girl in truck.
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