Search for ‘affluenza’ teen continues; his mother declared missing

The U.S. Marshals Service joined the search for 18-year-old Ethan Couch, who recently failed to check in with his probation officer. Consuming alcohol would violate Couch’s probation, and if found guilty, he could face 10 years in prison, the Associated Press reports.

Couch was supposed to be accompanied by a parent for a regular visit December 10 with his probation officer.

Authorities continue to investigate whether Couch claimed as part of his defense that he suffered from “affluenza” has fled with his mother to avoid a potential violation of his probation.

Anyone with information regarding Couch’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact authorities.

Some have theorized Couch and his mother fled to Mexico, others believe he’s fled to Europe, where he would have a better chance of blending in, but Alford says he would be caught there, as well.

The FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and police departments across the country are also on the lookout for Couch.

Couch was 16 at the time of the deadly crash and had a blood-alcohol level of almost three times the legal limit hours after he was speeding and lost control of a pickup truck at 70mph. The teenager was driving more than 70 miles per hour when he slammed a into a broken-down auto on the side of the road.

Affluenza is not recognized by the American Psychiatric Association as an official diagnosis.

Anderson, the Tarrant County sheriff, said Couch’s father, Fred Couch, told investigators that he hasn’t heard from his son or ex-wife in about two weeks.

The crash killed a mother, 52, and a daughter, 21, a youth pastor, 41, and a young chef whose vehicle had a blown-out tire, 24.

“I fear he’s gone a long way, and I won’t be shocked if he’s out of the country”, he said, noting that Couch and his mother had the wealth and “ability to make things like that happen”.

“We’re limited on what can be released because for now it remains a juvenile matter”, Jordan said.

“You can run, but you’re always going to be looking over your shoulder”, the sheriff said of Couch, according to CNN.

“We’re hoping we’ll get the right call or the right information and bring this to an end”, Anderson said.

‘Because of the publicity in the case, we are receiving dozens of tips every day, ‘ Anderson said.