A Grant County man has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of all charges stemming from a violent attack on his wife.
Kenneth Cotton was convicted Thursday in Grant County court and sentenced to life behind bars in connection with the December 2024 assault that left the victim with life-threatening injuries.
Cotton was initially arrested after authorities said he attacked his wife on Dec. 16, 2024. According to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Cotton was charged with Attempted Capital Murder, Felony Battery in the First Degree, Felony Assault in the Third Degree and Resisting Arrest. Earlier in the investigation, prosecutors also filed a charge of Attempted Murder in the First Degree as the case developed.
Court records show Cotton’s bond was raised to $1 million cash-only by Judge Stephen Shirron following a probable cause hearing. His initial bond had been set at $250,000 cash-only, according to family members.
Investigators said deputies first arrested Cotton after he allegedly attacked the victim’s vehicle, causing damage. He later posted bond before authorities say he returned to the victim’s home, where she was packing her belongings to leave. Family members told Deltaplex News the assault occurred at that time.
According to the victim’s family, she suffered multiple skull fractures, a broken wrist, a broken knee and a brain bleed, along with other defensive injuries. They said she was struck in the head multiple times with a hammer. The victim was transported to a Little Rock hospital, where she was treated in the critical care unit.
A manhunt for Cotton took place along Grant County Road 821 before deputies took him into custody around 3:05 p.m. on the day of the assault.
Prosecutors pursued the upgraded charges as the investigation progressed. Following a trial in Grant County court, a jury found Cotton guilty on all counts. He was sentenced to life in prison Thursday.
The case was investigated by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.
