To the families of the victims, Ethan Couch was a killer on the road, a drunken teenage driver who caused a crash that left four people dead.
To the defense, the youth is himself a victim - of "affluenza," according to one psychologist - the product of wealthy, privileged parents who never set limits for the boy.
To a judge, who sentenced Couch to 10 years' probation but no jail time, he's a defendant in need of treatment.
The decision disappointed prosecutors and stunned victims' family members, who say they feel that Couch got off too easy. Prosecutors had asked for the maximum of 20 years behind bars.
"Let's face it. ... There needs to be some justice here," Eric Boyles, who lost his wife and daughter, told CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360" on Wednesday night.
"For 25 weeks, I've been going through a healing process. And so when the verdict came out, I mean, my immediate reaction is - I'm back to week 1. We have accomplished nothing here. My healing process is out the window," he said.
Lawyers for Couch, 16, had argued that the teen's parents should share part of the blame for the crash because they never set limits for the boy and gave him everything he wanted.
According to CNN affiliate WFAA, a psychologist called by the defense described Couch as a product of "affluenza."
He reportedly testified that the teen's family felt wealth bought privilege, and that Couch's life could be turned around with one to two years of treatment and no contact with his parents.
Couch was sentenced by a juvenile court judge Tuesday. If he violates the terms of his probation, he could face up to 10 years of incarceration, according to a statement from the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney's Office.
Judge Jean Boyd told the court she would not release Couch to his parents, but would work to find the teen a long-term treatment facility.
"There are absolutely no consequences for what occurred that day," said Boyles. "The primary message has to absolutely be that money and privilege can't buy justice in this country."
His wife, Hollie Boyles, and daughter, Shelby, left their home to help Breanna Mitchell, whose SUV had broken down. Brian Jennings, a youth pastor, was driving past and also stopped to help.
All four were killed when the teen's pickup plowed into the pedestrians. Couch's vehicle also struck a parked car, which then slid into another vehicle driving in the opposite direction.
Two people riding in the bed of the teen's pickup were tossed in the crash and severely injured.
One is no longer able to move or talk because of a brain injury, while the other suffered internal injuries and broken bones.
"There is nothing the judge could have done to lessen the suffering for any of those families," said defense attorney Scott Brown, CNN affiliate KTVT reported.
"(The judge) fashioned a sentence that is going to keep Ethan under the thumb of the justice system for the next 10 years," he said. "And if Ethan doesn't do what he's supposed to do, if he has one misstep at all, then this judge, or an adult judge when he's transferred, can then incarcerate him."
Earlier on the night of the accident, June 15, Couch and some friends had stolen beer from a local Walmart. Three hours after the crash, tests showed he had a blood alcohol content of 0.24, three times the legal limit, according to the district attorney's office.
"We are disappointed by the punishment assessed but have no power under the law to change or overturn it," said Assistant District Attorney Richard Alpert. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and we regret that this outcome has added to the pain and suffering they have endured."
It is very rare, but not impossible, for prosecutors to challenge the sentence on the ground that it was too lenient, CNN legal analyst Sunny Hostin said.
"To give him a pass this time given the egregious nature of his conduct - four deaths - is just incomprehensible," she said.
It is unfair that other young defendants without the same wealth could end up in jail for a lot less, said Hostin, of CNN's "New Day" morning show.
"I think in terms of policy, this really flies in the face of our criminal justice system," she said. "There have to be consequences to actions, and that is what our system is about, even for juveniles."
It is Black Friday, and the mad dash to find the best holiday deals has begun. Scenes of shoppers fighting their way into stores is playing out all across the country.
Crowds are lining up – not always politely – for clothes, electronics and more, with everyone looking to get a bang for their buck. That is of course if stores haven't already sold out of the hottest items already. CNN's Zain Asher reports.
Rep. Trey Radel is due in D.C. superior court Wednesday, charged with misdemeanor cocaine possession after an October 29 arrest, according to court documents, CNN's Athena Jones reports.
The 37 year-old Florida Republican is serving his first term in Congress after winning office last November.
A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's office said Tuesday that the charges come with a maximum 180 day imprisonment and/or $1,000 fine.
“I'm profoundly sorry to let down my family, particularly my wife and son, and the people of Southwest Florida," Radel said in a statement released by his office. "I struggle with the disease of alcoholism, and this led to an extremely irresponsible choice. As the father of a young son and a husband to a loving wife, I need to get help so I can be a better man for both of them.”
“However, this unfortunate event does have a positive side. It offers me an opportunity to seek treatment and counseling. I know I have a problem and will do whatever is necessary to overcome it, hopefully setting an example for others struggling with this disease.”
Radel is a former journalist and TV news anchor.
"Members of Congress should be held to the highest standards, and the alleged crime will be handled by the courts," a spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner said in a statement. "Beyond that, this is between Rep. Radel, his family, and his constituents."
The news was devastating for Shannon and Jeremiah Collins: Their 19-year-old son, Marine Lance Cpl. Jeremiah Collins Jr., died in Afghanistan's Helmand province.
Then it got worse.
The Milwaukee, Wisconsin, couple learned the survivor benefit paid to the families of fallen troops for burial and other expenses had been suspended because of the government shutdown.
Her sadness, Shannon Collins says, was compounded by worry and questions about how to pay off the debt.
It's a question that embarrassed and outraged government officials, who scrambled to find a way to provide the survivor benefits to the families of 26 troops who have died since the shutdown began on October 1.
On Wednesday, the Pentagon struck a deal with a private charity to ensure families of fallen troops are paid the survivor benefits, which include a $100,000 payment made within days of the death, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said.
The government will reimburse the Maryland-based Fisher House Foundation once the shutdown is over, Hagel said in a written statement.
In four days, the U.S. government could shut down as fierce partisan fighting over funding Obamacare continues. But economic catastrophe may come seventeen days later, when the U.S. could default on its loans if Congress doesn't raise the debt ceiling.
CNN's Dana Bash reports.
Though a shut down would lead to the closure of national parks and job furloughs, the White House warns lawmakers not to use the debt ceiling as a bargaining chip.
White House Spokesperson Jay Carney said, "There is no negotiating over Congress' responsibility to ensure that we do not default."
GOP sources tell CNN that as soon as Saturday, House Republicans are planning to pass a bill that does raise the debt ceiling, but also adds several party priorities like tax reform or delaying Obamacare.
Democrats say this is unlikely.
For more, visit CNN.com
Aaron Alexis was under "the delusional belief that he was being controlled or influenced by extremely low frequency electromagnetic waves" before he embarked on a bloody shooting rampage at the Washington Navy Yard, an FBI official said Wednesday.
CNN's Joe Johns reports.
The 34-year-old contractor, who until a few years ago had served in the Navy, spelled out this belief - with the words, "My ELF weapon" - in the sawed-off Remington 870 shotgun he brought into the military facility's Building #197 on the morning of September 16.
"ELF" refers to low-frequency electromagnetic waves, a technology used for submarine communications that conspiracy theorists believe the government employs to monitor and manipulate unsuspecting citizens, the FBI said.
"Ultra low frequency attack is what I've been subject to for the last 3 months," read a message obtained by federal authorities from Alexis's thumb drives, phones and computers. "And to be perfectly honest, that is what has driven me to this."
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee drafts a bipartisan agreement authorizing the use of force in Syria they'll take up for debate on Wednesday. CNN's Jim Scuitto reports.
In trying to appease both war hawks and doves, the bill attempts to limit the scope and length of attacks but also intends to strategically help to strengthen the Syrian opposition.
Here's what the authorization states:
- Strikes against Syria limited to 60 days, option for further 30 days
- Bans troops on the ground, permits rescue mission if needed
Secretaries Kerry and Hagel and General Dempsey, veterans who understand the cost of war, tell Senators Tuesday that limited military action is right and necessary.
Secretary of State John Kerry says:
"Are you going to be comfortable if Assad, as a result of the United States not doing anything, then gasses his people yet again and they - and the world says, 'Why didn't the United States act?'
Senator John McCain, a long supporter of more vigorous U.S. involvement in Syria, criticizes the President's decision to delay military action until after congressional approval.
"When you tell the enemy you're going to attack them, I'm not to take any time on this, you're going to attack them, they're obviously going to disperse and try to make it harder."
However, President Obama may be making ground with lawmakers. Speaker of the House John Boehner gives his support for military action Tuesday.
Wednesday, the case for military action in Syria moves to the House where Secretaries Kerry and Hagel and General Dempsey can expect tougher questioning than they did in a session Tuesday.
Ariel Castro, who was sentenced to life plus 1,000 years on charges of kidnap, rape and murder, is found dead Tuesday night.
The convicted man is found hanging in his cell at the Correctional Reception Center in Orient, Ohio.
CNN affiliate WOIO reporter Scott Taylor calls into "Early Start" with updates.
Taylor says while Castro was on suicide watch in prison in Cleveland, being checked on every 10 minutes by guards, the situation changed when he was moved to state jail.
"He was on precautionary watch, where they don’t think an inmate will hurt themselves, but they're high profile so they want to keep an eye on him."
Taylor says Castro was checked on at 9 p.m. and was found hanging around 9:20 p.m.
The Ohio State Police and Department of Corrections are now investigating the death.
At Castro's trial, one of the three survivors showed up in person to confront her captor.
Michelle Knight said, "I spent 11 years in hell. Now your hell is just beginning."
But Castro was only in prison for weeks.
Maria Castro Montes, cousin of Ariel Castro, called into "Early Start" to say she found out via text message at 5 a.m. Wednesday morning of the death.
Montes says she believes even though Castro didn't get the death sentence, the girls wanted to see him live through jail.
Though this result might end up being the best option.
"Maybe this is for the best, I don't think they were ever going to find peace if he was still alive and in prison."
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Five turns out to be a very lucky number for swimmer Diana Nyad.
The 64-year-old athlete navigated the waters between Havana, Cuba, and Key West, Florida, on Monday, after five tries over three decades. CNN's Karin Caifa reports.
Nyad started on Saturday and swam over 100 miles without a protective shark cage or flippers, though she battled jelly fish with a protective mask.
It reportedly took a team of 35 people to help monitor her progress and clear her path of danger.
After reaching Florida, Nyad was taken to the hospital for observation but not before she acknowledged her fans.
The dreamer said: "We should never ever give up, you never are too old to chase your dreams."
The White House could release evidence the Syrian government used chemical weapons on its own people as early as Thursday, CNN's Barbara Starr reports.
In an interview with PBS Newshour, the President left no doubt who the U.S. believes ordered the chemical weapons attacks, saying:
"We want the Assad regime to understand that by using chemical weapons on a large scale against your own people – against women, against infants, against children, that you are not only breaking international norms and standards of decency, but you're also creating a situation where U.S. national interests are affected, and that needs to stop."
Among the evidence proving the Syrian regime's hand behind chemical weapons use: intercepts of Syrian commanders discussing the movement of chemical weapons to the area of the attack, provided by Israeli intelligence.
The U.S.'s potential next step, launching cruise missile strikes, has put the U.S. at direct odds with Russia.
"We do not believe the Syrian regime should be able to hide behind the fact that the Russians continue to block action on Syria at the U.N., State Department Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf tells the press.
"But behind the scenes officials are signalling the U.S. may not wait for the U.N. to act," Starr says.
"The U.S. military is strengthening its position in the Eastern Mediterrrean with the addition of two more submarines."
The Syrian regime is also getting prepared.
Bashar al-Jaafari, Syria's ambassador to the UN, says "We are in a state of war right now preparing ourselves for the worst scenario."
But the rhetoric from the Syrian government has also become more subdued now.
"You can tell that the regime is getting more and more nervous," reports CNN's Frederik Pleitgen.
Pleitgen says many Syrians are also getting fearful and trying to leave the country now.
“People seem unsure what the future will bring with the American air strikes looming.”
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