A disturbing event was filmed in a Las Vegas courtroom on January 3, 2024. Deobra Delone Redden abruptly attacked Clark County District Judge Mary Kay Holthus during his felony violence sentencing. After jumping over a defense table and the judge’s bench, court officials, attorneys, and the assailant fought bloodily.
Violent Courtroom Attack in Las Vegas: Judge Injured, Defendant Arrested
Judge Holthus, who fell back against a wall, was injured but not hospitalized, courthouse officials said. After helping the judge, a courtroom marshal was hospitalized for a forehead bleed and a dislocated shoulder. The Las Vegas Regional Justice Center incident occurred around 11 a.m.
Court and jail police and courtroom workers wrestled 30-year-old Redden to the ground in courtroom video. Punches were thrown throughout the fight. Redden was arrested and committed to the Clark County Detention Center on various felony charges, including violence against a protected person (the judge and court officers).
The scenario escalated quickly, surprising many. The lead county district attorney who charged Redden, Richard Scow, said actions happened quickly. Redden, who was not in detention when he arrived at court, pleaded guilty to diminished attempted violence causing substantial bodily harm in November. He was imprisoned in Nevada for domestic violence.
Chaos in Court: Defendant’s Outburst as Judge Orders Imprisonment
Redden, wearing a white shirt and dark jeans, pleaded for leniency with his defense attorney, Caesar Almase, at sentencing. Redden yelled and charged forward as the judge indicated her intent to imprison him and the court marshal handcuffed him. Others in the courtroom screamed.
According to court records, Las Vegas resident Redden was deemed mentally competent to stand trial. An experienced prosecutor, Holthus was elected to the state court bench in 2018 and 2022. Court spokesman Mary Ann Price said officials were evaluating policies and taking steps to protect the judges, public, and workers.
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