True Crime Story: Smugshot, April 4, 2024, Sundance, Affluenza,

An intriguing episode of True Crime Story: Smugshot airs this Thursday on Sundance, exploring the infamous case of Ethan Couch, known as the “affluenza teen“. This episode promises to delve into the complex dynamics of a tragic story that grabbed the public’s attention a decade ago.

In June 2013, Ethan Couch, then 16, was involved in a devastating drunk driving accident in Texas. With a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit, Couch crashed his father’s truck into a group of people, fatally injuring four and causing life-altering injuries to several others. The incident sparked a wildfire of outrage, especially after a psychologist argued in court that Couch suffered from “affluenza”.

The condition of affluenza, a term that has since been widely debated and mocked, was used as a defence strategy. It purported that Couch’s wealthy upbringing had left him with a sense of entitlement, resulting in his inability to comprehend the consequences of his actions. Couch’s attorneys pleaded for rehabilitation rather than incarceration, claiming that their client required help rather than punishment.

In a decision that incited widespread indignation, Judge Jean Boyd sentenced Couch to 10 years of probation and treatment at a rehabilitation facility. However, this ruling was shortly violated when Couch was caught on camera playing beer pong, leading him to flee to Mexico with his mother, Tonya Couch.

The episode will likely delve into the impact of this case on the involved families, whose lives were irrevocably shattered. It promises to provide a comprehensive look at the events that unfolded, including the manhunt for Couch, his eventual capture, and the aftermath of his actions.

Join this fascinating insight into a case that shook the nation, airing Thursday April 3, 2024, at 10.00pm on Sundance.