A former contestant of the reality television series *Ultimate Cowboy Showdown* has been sentenced to prison following a violent attack on his elderly landlord that resulted in severe injuries. Ethan Treadwell, aged 43, was handed a 25-year prison sentence, with 15 years suspended, after pleading guilty to charges related to the assault on 74-year-old William “Junior” Hicks. The court proceedings took place on August 6, 2024, in Kiowa County, Oklahoma.
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The incident arises from a longstanding landlord-tenant relationship that turned confrontational. For seven years, Hicks rented out his land to Treadwell, but in December 2023, he issued an eviction notice, which prompted Treadwell to cease paying rent while continuing to graze cattle on Hicks’s property.
On January 30, 2024, events escalated when Hicks noticed Treadwell unlawfully removing cattle from the land. In response, Hicks confronted Treadwell, requesting that he refrain from taking the cattle until his outstanding rent was settled. According to Hicks’s account, Treadwell reacted violently, attacking him without provocation and leaving him unconscious.
The injuries sustained by Hicks in the attack were described as “severe, debilitating and permanent,” according to his civil suit against Treadwell, which he filed in the wake of the assault. Although the lawsuit was previously dismissed pending the outcome of Treadwell’s criminal proceedings, it highlighted the toll the incident took on Hicks’s health and well-being.
During the court session on August 5, Treadwell expressed remorse for his actions, publicly apologising to Hicks. This marked a significant moment in a case that has drawn attention both locally and within the realms of reality television.
Ethan Treadwell first gained public recognition when he participated in the inaugural season of *Ultimate Cowboy Showdown*, a competition where contestants, guided by country music artist Trace Adkins, engage in challenges demonstrating their skills in cowboy tasks such as herding and lassoing. Treadwell made a notable impression, finishing among the top three contestants of the season before being eliminated during a physically demanding herding task. He returned as an all-star competitor in a later season.
Despite his success on the reality show, Treadwell’s actions have overshadowed his television career. The attacking incident serves as a reminder of how quickly conflicts can escalate and lead to serious consequences.
Hicks’s health continues to deteriorate as a result of the attack, and he has reported experiencing substantial pain and limitations in daily activities. The civil suit against Treadwell aims to seek redress for the physical and emotional suffering he has endured.
The sentencing of Treadwell marks a significant outcome in a case that has raised questions about the responsibilities of individuals in conflict situations, especially concerning agreements made in landlord-tenant relationships. Treadwell’s case serves as both a cautionary tale for those in similar circumstances and a stark reminder of the potential ramifications of violent behaviour.
As Treadwell serves his sentence, the community of Kiowa County is left to grapple with the fallout from the incident, demonstrating how personal disputes can lead to far-reaching consequences. The saga of Treadwell and Hicks underscores the importance of resolution through dialogue, rather than resorting to violence.