Sentencing set for man convicted in acid attack

Brandon T. Eddins, who ran rather than face a jury that found him guilty of aggravated battery for blinding another man by throwing a caustic substance in his face, probably will be sentenced Jan. 26.

In the meantime, he is being held without bond in the Nez Perce County Jail, where he has been since Nov. 8 when Lewiston police pulled him out of a hiding place crafted by gutting a big-screen television set in a Normal Hill apartment.

Eddins, 29, acquired a new public defender since the trial ended. That attorney, Richard Cuddihy, has asked for a new trial, an issue that will be resolved prior to Jan. 26, Cuddihy and Deputy Prosecutor April A. Smith told Judge Carl B. Kerrick.

Eddins was convicted of throwing a caustic substance in the face of a 30-year-old man during an altercation in North Lewiston July 11, 2010. The victim lost sight in one eye as a result.

Eddins has an outstanding warrant in Asotin County for third-degree rape of a child. That incident allegedly occurred Oct. 25 while he was sought on the Idaho warrant, according to the Asotin County prosecutor's office.

Kerrick said at the conclusion of the trial Eddins could face a maximum sentence of life in prison because of his criminal history.