Last June, Hollie and Shelby Boyles 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.Sadly all four were killed when Couch's pickup truck 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. To make the situation all the more heartbreaking there were two people riding in the bed of the pickup who 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.
According to prosecutors, three hours after the crash, tests showed Couch had a blood alcohol content of 0.24, three times the legal limit.
According to attorney Reagan Wynn. "She (Boyd) heard all the evidence and she made what she thought was the appropriate disposition.
"I think he can be rehabilitated given intensive therapy and I hope that he gets it," Wynn said about the teen. "The juvenile system is about rehabilitation and if it's going to be about rehabilitation, she (Boyd) absolutely made the right decision."
As part of his probation, the teen must refrain from using drugs or alcohol. He will also not be allowed to drive and if Couch violates the terms of his probation, he could face up to 10 years behind bars.
While the attorney believes the judge made the right decision, prosecutors were highly disappointed for they had asked for the maximum of 20 years behind bars. Prosecutor Richard Alpert said,"This has been a very frustrating experience for me." He continued, "I'm used to a system where the victims have a voice and their needs are strongly considered. The way the system down here is currently handled, the way the law is, almost all the focus is on the offender."
Along with prosecutors, families of the victims have spoke out telling reporters they have "no doubt that money played a role in the case." After the proceedings on Wednesday, Husband and father to two of the victims (Holly and Shelby Boyles) expressed his outrage caused by the verdict stating, "Had Couch not had money to have the defense there, to also have the experts testify, and also offer to pay for the treatment, I think the results would have been different."
There has been nothing from Ethan from these proceedings with regards to remorse on his part at all -- that I do think would have helped. It would have helped the victims. No doubt about it, it would have helped," said Boyles.
During the trial a witness claimed Couch was a victim of "affluenza" -- the product of wealthy, privileged parents who never set limits for the boy.
What does this say ruling, among many others deemed unjust say about the current status of the judicial system in our Country? Is justice only for the privileged, and if so is it actual justice or politics as usual?
Follow Brittnye Webb-Earl on Twitter @BeeNoelle
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"Affluenza" Kid Kills Four, Injures Two and is Only Sentenced to Probation and Rehab; Where is the Justice? Updated at :
9:41 AM
Thursday, February 6, 2014
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