A maximum sentence of 15 years in the Arkansas Department of Corrections and a $10,000 fine was announced after the jury found Anthony Cottman, age 32, guilty of the charge of Battery 2nd Degree, a class D felony. The charges stem from an incident on April 2, 2020 that resulted in the eventual death of Riley Thew of Mount Ida.
Testimony from multiple witnesses stated that Cottman hit Thew once at a residence in Mount Ida. Testimony stated that Thew fell backward, hitting his head on a concrete sidewalk.
Thew was later airlifted to CHI St. Vincent in Hot Springs. Five weeks later he passed due to complications resulting from head trauma.
Cottman’s defense argues that he acted in self defense, pointing out that the defendant is five feet five inches tall while Thew stood at six feet two inches.
Cottman was sentenced as an habitual offender which allowed for the extended term of 15 years.
See next week’s issue of the Montgomery County News for details from today’s trial.