A former reality television contestant finds himself behind bars after an altercation with his elderly landlord. This clash over unpaid rent in Oklahoma tragically resulted in the landlord suffering from “severe, debilitating, and permanent” injuries.
Ethan Treadwell, known for his stint on “Ultimate Cowboy Showdown,” was sentenced on Wednesday to serve 25 years—though 15 of those years are suspended. This penalty comes as a consequence of his January 2024 assault on 74-year-old William “Junior” Hicks, as reported by People.
The root of their confrontation was an eviction notice issued by Hicks in December 2023. Having leased land in Kiowa County, Oklahoma to Treadwell for seven years, Hicks sought legal recourse after Treadwell fell behind on rent payments.
According to Hicks, Treadwell had agreed to vacate the property and ceased paying rent, yet continued to graze his cattle on the land in southwest Oklahoma.
On January 30, 2024, Hicks recounted that while driving home, he noticed Treadwell moving livestock off the land. Hoping to resolve the issue, Hicks confronted Treadwell, insisting he halt the relocation until the overdue rent was settled.
But Hicks said Treadwell, “without provocation,” attacked him and beat him into an “unconscious state.”
Treadwell’s ex-wife, who was at the scene, told authorities that Treadwell knocked Hicks to the ground and repeatedly kicked him, according to KBTX.
Hicks suffered traumatic brain injuries and a broken nose and was placed on a ventilator for a period of time.
In his lawsuit, he described his injuries as “severe, debilitating and permanent,” People reported.
Treadwell originally faced aggravated assault and battery charges but entered a blind guilty plea to a reduced maiming charge.
The civil case was dismissed in 2025 while the criminal proceedings against Treadwell were pending, court records show.
Treadwell apologized to Hicks in court Tuesday, saying he wished the events had never happened, according to KBTX.
Hicks’ daughter told the court about her father’s injuries and recovery, while former Tillman County Undersheriff Gary Sanders spoke on Treadwell’s behalf and the judge received several character statements supporting him.
Treadwell appeared on the first season of “Ultimate Cowboy Showdown,” the reality competition hosted by country star Trace Adkins.
Contestants competed in cowboy skills, including cattle herding, lassoing and horsemanship for a chance to win a herd of cattle worth $50,000.
Treadwell made it to the final three in the first season before being eliminated after a “grueling” three-mile herding challenge.
He later returned for the show’s fourth season as an all-star.
One judge described Treadwell as “a little abrasive at times.”
Treadwell has a restitution hearing scheduled for October and has 10 days to appeal his sentence.