Nevada judge attacked by defendant during sentencing in Vegas courtroom scene captured on video
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Chaos erupted in a Las Vegas courtroom as a defendant in a felony battery case launched a violent attack on Clark County District Judge Mary Kay Holthus. The shocking incident, captured on courtroom video, showed the defendant, Deobra Delone Redden, leaping over a defense table and the judge’s bench before landing atop her and sparking a bloody brawl. Both Judge Holthus and a courtroom marshal who came to her aid sustained injuries in the altercation.
Despite the intense attack, Judge Holthus did not require hospitalization. Meanwhile, the courtroom marshal was rushed to the hospital for treatment of a bleeding gash on his forehead and a dislocated shoulder. The incident occurred at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas at approximately 11 a.m.
Following the attack, Redden was swiftly apprehended by court and jail officers along with courtroom staff members. Video footage showed a chaotic scene as multiple individuals grappled with Redden in an attempt to subdue him. As a result of the incident, Redden now faces multiple new felony charges, including battery on a protected person, referring to the judge and court officers.
Richard Scow, the chief county district attorney who prosecuted Redden, expressed his shock at the sudden violence. Scow stated, It happened so fast it was hard to know what to do. Redden’s defense attorney, Caesar Almase, has yet to comment on the incident.
Before the attack, Redden stood beside his defense attorney, requesting leniency from Judge Holthus. He described himself as a person who always tries to do the right thing and emphasized that he does not consider himself rebellious. However, as the judge made it clear that she intended to sentence him to prison, Redden became agitated, yelled expletives, and charged forward. People in the courtroom, including those who had been sitting with Redden, screamed in response.
Records indicate that Redden, a Las Vegas resident, had been found mentally competent to stand trial before pleading guilty in November to a reduced charge of attempted battery causing substantial bodily harm. State records also reveal that he had previously served prison time for a domestic battery conviction.
Judge Mary Kay Holthus, a seasoned prosecutor with over 27 years of experience, was elected to the state court bench in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. In the aftermath of the attack, court spokesperson Mary Ann Price assured the public that officials would review all protocols to ensure the protection of the judiciary, the public, and court employees.
The shocking incident has raised concerns about courtroom safety and the need for enhanced security measures. The assault on a judge highlights the potential dangers faced by those working within the justice system. As the investigation continues, the focus will now shift towards preventing similar incidents in the future.
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