A former contestant on the reality television show "Ultimate Cowboy Showdown" has been sentenced to 25 years in prison, with 15 years suspended, for a brutal attack on his elderly landlord in Oklahoma. Ethan Treadwell, 43, will serve a minimum of 10 years for the January 2024 assault on William "Junior" Hicks, 74, which resulted in "severe, debilitating and permanent" injuries.
The confrontation stemmed from an eviction notice Hicks had served Treadwell in December 2023, after the two had a seven-year leasing agreement for land in Kiowa County, Okla. According to a civil lawsuit filed by Hicks, Treadwell had agreed to vacate the property and stopped paying rent but continued to graze cattle there. On Jan. 30, 2024, Hicks encountered Treadwell moving cattle and confronted him, demanding payment of outstanding rent before cattle removal. Hicks stated that Treadwell then attacked him "without provocation," beating him unconscious.
Treadwell's ex-wife, who was present, told authorities that Treadwell knocked Hicks to the ground and repeatedly kicked him. Hicks sustained traumatic brain injuries and a broken nose, requiring him to be placed on a ventilator. In his lawsuit, Hicks described the injuries as permanent.
Treadwell initially faced charges of aggravated assault and battery but entered a blind guilty plea to a reduced charge of maiming. The civil case against Treadwell was dismissed in 2025 pending the outcome of criminal proceedings. In court, Treadwell apologized for his actions, stating he wished the events had not occurred.
Hicks' daughter spoke to the court about her father's recovery, while former Tillman County Undersheriff Gary Sanders offered character statements on Treadwell's behalf. Several other character statements supporting Treadwell were also presented to the judge.
Treadwell was a contestant on the first season of "Ultimate Cowboy Showdown," a competition show hosted by country music star Trace Adkins, where participants showcased cowboy skills. He reached the final three contestants before being eliminated and later returned for the show's fourth season as an "all-star." One judge on the show had described Treadwell as "a little abrasive at times."
Treadwell has a restitution hearing scheduled for October and has 10 days to appeal his sentence.