A man who violently attacked a judge in a Las Vegas courtroom earlier this year has pleaded guilty but mentally ill to multiple charges, including attempted murder. The dramatic incident, which was captured on video, occurred during his sentencing in an unrelated case.
The Courtroom Attack
Deobra Delone Redden, 31, launched an assault on Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus on January 3, moments before she was about to deliver his sentence in a felony attempted battery case. Redden jumped over the judge’s bench, attacking her while court staff rushed to intervene.
Judge Holthus later testified that she feared for her life during the attack. “I felt defenseless,” she told the jury, adding that the quick actions of court officials saved her life.
Eyewitness Accounts
Law clerk Michael Lasso described witnessing Redden slam Holthus’ head to the floor and grab her hair. “I absolutely thought, ‘He’s going to kill her,’” Lasso testified. He and others, including a corrections officer, managed to wrestle Redden away. During the altercation, an armed courtroom marshal suffered injuries, including a bleeding gash and a dislocated shoulder.
Judge Holthus, who did not require hospitalization, returned to work after receiving treatment for her injuries.
Mental Health and Guilty Plea
Redden’s defense attorney, Carl Arnold, argued that his client had not been taking prescribed medication for his diagnosed schizophrenia, which contributed to the incident. Despite this, Redden pleaded guilty but mentally ill to eight felonies, including attempted murder, battery of a protected person age 60 or older, and battery by a prisoner.
Prosecutor John Giordani stated that Redden faces up to 86 years in prison. He noted that while Redden had a history of mental health issues, “he made a choice that day and failed to control his homicidal impulses.”
Judge’s Testimony and Legal Proceedings
Judge Holthus, a former prosecutor with over 27 years of experience who was elected to the bench in 2018, recounted the terrifying moments of the attack to the jury. Her testimony, along with that of other witnesses, played a critical role in Redden’s conviction.
Redden is already serving time for other felony battery convictions. His latest plea could impact his mental health treatment while incarcerated.
