Former ‘Ultimate Cowboy Showdown’ contestant sentenced to 10 years in Oklahoma maiming case
Reality TV star entered blind plea in 2024 attack that left victim on ventilator
HOBART, Okla. (KSWO) — A former reality television contestant has been sentenced to prison in a Kiowa County court on Wednesday following a 2024 attack that left a man with traumatic brain injuries.
Ethan Treadwell, who appeared as a contestant on the reality competition “Ultimate Cowboy Showdown,” entered a blind plea on a charge of maiming — reduced from an initial charge of aggravated assault and battery. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison, with all but the first 10 years suspended. The sentencing took place at the Kiowa County Courthouse.
The attack
In January 2024, Treadwell attacked William Halbert Hicks, Jr., knocking him to the ground and kicking him repeatedly. Hicks suffered traumatic brain injuries and a broken nose and was placed on a ventilator for a period of time.
Sentencing hearing
During the hearing, Treadwell took the stand and apologized to Hicks, saying he wished the events had never happened. The court also heard from Hicks’ daughter, who spoke on the extent of her father’s injuries and recovery journey, and former Tillman County Undersheriff Gary Sanders, who spoke on his relationship with Ethan and the Treadwell family. The judge received multiple character statements on Treadwell’s behalf.
Treadwell has a restitution hearing set for October and has 10 days to appeal the sentence.
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