Man Who Allegedly Beat Livingston Man to Death is Indicted, LIVINGSTON, November 24, 2016 - 23 year old Matthew Todd Battise, of Livingston, has been indicted by a Polk County Grand Jury in April 2016 beating death of a Livingston man. Battise's alleged victim was 28 year old Spencer James Sadler, of Livingston. The grand jury handed down an indictment for second degree manslaughter. Sadler was visiting the Alabama-Coushatta Reservation on April 17, 2016 when an apparent confrontation occurred. Initially, Battise was charged with assault and held in a San Jacinto County jail. Second degree manslaughter carries a maximum penalty of 20 years. With yesterday's grand jury indictment, Battise was booked into Polk County jail and is being held on a $25,000 bond.
Editor's comment: I don't know how somebody can beat and stomp another person to death and only be charged with second degree manslaughter. It seems the charge of murder would be the more fitting charge for a crime that shows such obvious intent.
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