Ethan Couch, “Affluenza” Texas Teen, And Mom Tonya Couch Caught in Mexico

Ethan Couch, the notorious runaway known as the “affluenza” teen, was apprehended in Mexico on Tuesday and will return to the United States after breaking his probation sentence for killing four people while driving under the influence of alcohol in 2013.

Couch, 18, of Fort Worth, Tex., was caught after using his cell phone and is being held in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, along with his mother, Tonya Couch, 48. Couch’s mother was listed as a missing person when the pair disappeared last month. It is undetermined if authorities will be charge her.

Couch gained media attention when his lawyers’ blamed his wealthy upbringing for his actions back in June 2013. Couch was sentenced to 10 years probation for intoxication manslaughter.

Couch and his mother were captured Monday evening while crossing two streets at a boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta. Mexican authorities used a prior booking photo showing Couch with his old lighter hair. The two were staying at a local hotel before being detained.

Back in 2013, Couch struck and killed four people who were assisting a stranded motorist. Couch, 16 at the time, was three times over the legal alcohol limit. Along with the four killed, several of Couch’s passengers were injured and one was left with permanent brain damage.

When a warrant was issued back in mid-December by his probation officer, it seemed as if Couch had dropped off the radar. The teenager’s disappearance sparked a media storm of coverage. Prosecutors requested 20 years behind bars, but the juvenile judge sentenced Couch to only 10 years probation. The judge also ordered mental health treatment and ordered him to be separated from his parents’ influence, but by December, Couch was back living with his mother.

Media speculation that Couch might have violated his probation by attending a party where alcohol was present may have led  to his disappearance. District Attorney Sharen Wilson said leaving the country and not meeting his probation officer certainly violated his probation.

When Couch was sentenced, prosecutors said that a violation might led to an incarnation for up to 10 years.