A Texarkana man who fractured his mother’s breast bone last year was recently sentenced to 30 years by a Miller County jury.
James Theodore Livsey, 47, was found guilty last week by a Miller County jury of second-degree domestic battery. That crime is usually punishable by three to ten years in prison.
Livsey’s long criminal history includes more than four prior felony convictions. Those priors allowed prosecutors to seek an enhanced punishment range of up to 30 years in prison for Livsey.
The jury sentenced Livsey to the maximum.
Livsey was living with his mother at her home in the 300 block of Meadows Drive in Texarkana, Ark., because he was homeless and had no place to go, according to a probable cause affidavit. On the night of Aug. 14, 2018, Livsey became angry when his mother asked him to help her locate a flashlight.
Livsey shoved his mother into a wall, pushed against her chest with a baseball bat, and threatened to kill her while he had his forearm pressed against her neck. Livsey also threatened to harm his mother if she called police.
Livsey’s mother reported the assault after Livsey left her house the day following. Livsey hid his mother’s cell phone and house phone.
Livsey’s mother was in “severe pain” when she sought medical treatment for a fractured sternum.
Livsey was represented by Managing Public Defender Jason Mitchell. Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Connie Mitchell and Kristian Robertson represented the state.
