There has been a huge outcry in the Dallas-Fort Worth community over the last forty-eight hours as a result of a judge's decision to give a young man probation rather than jail time. The young man is sixteen year old Ethan Couch who was involved in an accident that killed four innocent people. Ethan's blood alcohol level was four time the legal limit when he drove his pick-up, its bed filled with other drunken teens, into a disabled vehicle. Killed in the accident were the driver of the disabled vehicle, and three good Samaritans. One of those killed was youth pastor, Brian Jennings, who was on the way home from his own son's high school graduation. Ethan Couch's truck was traveling at 70 miles per hour in a 40 MPH zone. Officers who investigated the accident stated it was the most violent crash they had ever seen.
During the trial, Ethan's defense team based their case on the fact that he was the victim of a dysfunctional and abusive family. Witnesses testified that his parents were irresponsible. As a result Ethan was allowed to do whatever he wanted. Basically, he was out of control. The judge in the case, Jean Boyd, must have bought their case because Ethan is no longer allowed to see his parents. He is being sent to a recovery program in California. He will be under court supervision for an additional nine years once he returns to Texas. He is to have no contact with his mom and dad.
The families of the victims are understandably outraged. They feel that justice was not served. The Sheriff of Tarrant Count, where the accident took place, wanted Ethan Couch to serve as an example. With no tangible punishment, it seems to give other teens the license to live recklessly. It's unfortunate that the one person involved in this crime is not able to respond. That would be youth pastor, Brian Jennings. Brian had invested his life in working with teens, I am confident some of whom were troubled. If you work with kids long enough, they will break your heart. I have to wonder if Brian Jennings had been the judge in this case the results might not have been any different.
I don't know what happened behind closed doors. What exactly was said between the Judge Boyd and young Ethan? Somewhere there must have been some indication that Ethan needed a second chance; that sending him to prison would have served no purpose. At age sixteen he deserved a "do over," this time with responsible adults in his life. I know that is a hard pill to swallow, especially for those who are grieving the deaths of those who were victims to Ethan's recklessness. In reality, we all need second chances. And we have a God who offers that. I can only pray that somewhere in the process of rebuilding his life, Ethan can come to know that God, and Son, Jesus, who is a forgiving and second-change kind of Savior.
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