News

Actions

“Affluenza” teen drops Mexico appeal, returns in 1 or 2 days

Posted at 1:51 PM, Jan 26, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-26 13:51:54-05

MEXICO CITY (AP) — The Mexican lawyer for a Texas teenager who used an “affluenza” defense in a fatal drunken-driving accident says his client has dropped an appeal against deportation and will return to Texas to face charges.

Attorney Fernando Benitez said Tuesday that Ethan Couch formally ratified his decision to drop the appeal Monday.

Benitez expects a judge to close the case Tuesday, noting that would clear the way for Couch to return to Texas in one or two days.

He said Couch had decided not to continue with the constitutional appeal after reviewing his options.

Couch and his mother were detained in the resort of Puerto Vallarta in December. His mother was sent back to the U.S., but Couch has been held at an immigration detention center In the meantime.