A Las Vegas judge was attacked by a three-time felon during a court sentencing on Wednesday. Video footage captured the incident, which involved the repeat felon jumping over the bench, tackling the judge, and fighting with court officers.
According to KLAS, 30-year-old Deobra Redden appeared in court Wednesday to be sentenced by Judge Mary Kay Holthus for a charge of attempted battery that resulted in substantial bodily harm. While Redden’s attorney requested that Holthus sentence the repeat felon to probation, the Las Vegas judge denied the probation request.
“I think it’s time he got a taste of something else because I just can’t with that history,” Holthus stated.
The judge’s decision prompted Redden to lunge over the judge’s bench, tackle Holthus, and engage in a lengthy fight with court officials, who attempted to wrestle the repeat felon to the ground in an effort to protect Holthus.
Video footage of Wednesday’s incident posted on social media shows the moments prior to Redden’s attack, the moment the felon rushed toward the bench, the chaos that erupted in the courtroom, and the quick response of the court officials. The video footage also shows both the American flag and the Nevada state flag being knocked down in the attack.
KLAS reported that Holthus hit her head during the attack on Wednesday. A spokesperson for the court confirmed that Holthus was “being monitored” in the aftermath of the incident. KLAS also reported that a court marshal received an injury on his forehead. The court marshal was transported to a local hospital, but was listed in stable condition.
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In a statement obtained by KLAS, Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson said, “Thank God the judge is okay. Thank God for the heroic efforts of those who came to her aid, especially her marshal and her law clerk. Without them, the situation would have been much worse as this defendant exhibited extremely violent behavior and I’m confident there will be consequences.”
Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford also released a statement Wednesday, saying, “Sending our sincerest well wishes to District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus and the marshal injured in her courtroom today. Your dedication to justice and the court are truly commendable. We wish you both a swift recovery.”
KLAS reported that Redden has previously been sentenced to probation multiple times and has been convicted of nine misdemeanors and three felonies. In 2012, Redden was convicted of assaulting a family member. Additionally, Redden received three convictions for domestic battery in 2013.
Redden was granted parole in 2022 after spending a year in prison in 2021 due to a domestic battery charge. Finally, the repeat felon threatened “to bust the kneecaps” of an individual last April, which resulted in “substantial bodily harm,” according to court documents obtained by KLAS.
