'Affluenza' Teen Found in Mexico With Darkened Hair

Ethan Couch and his mom are nabbed in Mexico
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Dec 28, 2015 9:24 PM CST
Updated Dec 29, 2015 6:32 AM CST
Report: 'Affluenza' Teen Is Caught
Ethan Couch after his detention in Mexico.   (Jalisco State prosecutor's office)

"Affluenza" teen Ethan Couch is a fugitive no more. The 18-year-old and his mother were detained near the Mexican beach town of Puerto Vallarta on Monday after weeks on the run, reports CNN. Few details were released about their capture, but the prosecutor's office in Jalisco state says the Couches were picked up when they couldn't prove they were in Mexico legally, reports CBS News. Authorities there had been working with US officials on the case since Saturday, reports AP. The Couches—Ethan appears to have dyed his hair black—have been handed over to immigration authorities for deportation to the US, specifically to Tarrant County, Texas.

The pair disappeared weeks ago after a video surfaced that allegedly shows Ethan Couch at a party and in possible violation of his probation in the fatal drunk-driving case that featured his unusual but successful defense; such a violation could result in a 10-year sentence. The Dallas Morning News notes Couch failed to check in with his probation officer on Dec. 10. A ruling is pending on whether Couch's case will be moved from juvenile to adult court when he turns 19 in April, though authorities already have warned that he might face "big-boy jail." It remains unclear whether his mother, 48-year-old Tonya Couch, will face charges. (More affluenza stories.)

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