Thomas found guilty of felony child abuse
Aug. 13, 2025 – A DeSoto County jury has found a Horn Lake man, Ricquan Thomas, guilty of felony child abuse, a conviction that could lead to a life sentence. The verdict followed a trial that detailed a brutal assault on his 12-year-old son, who has multiple special needs.
Details of the Case
On July 12, 2024, Thomas, a 42-year-old former mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter from New Mexico, was found guilty of repeatedly beating his son. Evidence presented during the trial showed Thomas struck the child with a closed fist and kicked him, causing extensive bruising, swelling, and a broken wrist.
The victim’s mother, a traveling nurse, was out of state when she learned of the injuries. She contacted Child Protective Services, which removed the boy from Thomas’s care. The mother later took her son to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital for treatment.
Sentencing and Next Steps
After the verdict, Thomas was immediately taken into custody. A sentencing date has not yet been set. The felony child abuse charge carries a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of life in prison. A lesser charge of child abuse was dropped.
District Attorney Matthew Barton praised the verdict, stating, “Our children deserve protection, care, and love—not violence.” He added that the verdict sends a clear message that child abuse will be prosecuted in DeSoto County.
