Shock echoed throughout a Nevada courtroom after Las Vegas suspect Deobra Delone Redden violently lunged at Judge Mary Kay Holthus of Clark County. 

In the morning of January 3rd, Redden stood before the court on felony battery charges with substantial bodily harm.

“I’m not a rebellious person. I feel like I shouldn’t be sent to prison, but if it’s appropriate for you, then you gotta do what you gotta do.”

Deobra Redden to the judge

Caeser Almase, Redden’s attorney, tried to bargain for a suspended sentence or possibility of probation. Almase claimed that 30-year-old Redden was “getting his life back on track with a new job and plans to resume his education”. This was not enough for Judge Holthus. She was adamant to Redden, saying custodial sentencing was no option because she “just can’t with that history” and “think it’s time for him to get a taste of something else”. 

Repeat Offender Shows Consistent Pattern

The history she referred to was Redden’s excessive rapport of assault, battery, theft, and home invasions that span from 2012-2023. The three time felon faced probation hearings where he repeatedly tampered with his monitoring ankle bracelet and violated laws. He was caught biting a woman, breaking a man’s window with a rock, and kicking a police officer in the knee. 

After realizing he had no chance of probation like he did before, Redden yelled “F**k that b*tch”. He unexpectedly leapt over Judge Holthus’ bench, tackling her and pulling her backwards with a handful of hair. The court marshal and bystanders took action to restrain Redden, but punches broke out and profanities spewed. Judge Holthus was still on the ground after the attack, nowhere in sight and those sitting in the courtroom were scrambling in the video in reaction to the altercation. “Get off her, get off her, don’t do this,” heard from one man. A voice is heard saying please and stop and “Why did you do this?”, presumably coming from Redden’s mother who was at the hearing. 

Aftermath of the Startling Attack

After a couple overwhelming minutes, Judge Holthus stood up from the ground. She murmured that she hit her head as she seemingly rubbed it. She was able to courageously return to work the following Thursday, but remained sore, shaken up, and bruised. Chief Judge Jerry Wiese was able to relay a message from Judge Holthus, that she is “extremely grateful for those who took brave action during the attack” and gives thanks to all of the people wishing her well.

The attack on Judge Holthus raised questions and concerns about the safety of those in an open court. This caused meetings between Clark County Court and its security contractor to take place. Judge Wiese called for more court marshals in high-risk cases like Redden, especially with those of such violent criminal history. 

Redden reappeared in the courtroom in front of Judge Holthus on Monday, January 8th. He will be going to prison for up to four years due to an unrelated charge.

New to Crazed? Sign up for our newsletter! Subscribe now