The so-called “affluenza teen” has been missing for a week after violating his probation, and authorities believe his mother his helping him.
Ethan Couch killed four people two years ago in a drunk driving incident, and was labeled the “affluenza teen” for his legal defense, which claimed that he was raised so coddled that he never learned a sense of responsibility. He disappeared after a video surfaced this week appearing to show him drinking at a party, CNN reports, missing a meeting with his probation officer.
On Monday, the Tarrant County, Texas sheriff’s office said that Ethan’s mother Tonya Couch has been listed as a missing person and that she may be helping her son.
“We believe she is helping or assisting him but we can’t even prove they are together at this time,” said Sheriff Dee Anderson, according to CNN.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Breaking Down the 2024 Election Calendar
- How Nayib Bukele’s ‘Iron Fist’ Has Transformed El Salvador
- What if Ultra-Processed Foods Aren’t as Bad as You Think?
- How Ukraine Beat Russia in the Battle of the Black Sea
- Long COVID Looks Different in Kids
- How Project 2025 Would Jeopardize Americans’ Health
- What a $129 Frying Pan Says About America’s Eating Habits
- The 32 Most Anticipated Books of Fall 2024
Write to Tessa Berenson Rogers at tessa.Rogers@time.com