Violent Courtroom Attack: Defendant Assaults Nevada Judge During His Trial

A defendant in a felony battery case attacked a Nevada judge, leaping over a defense table and the judge's bench, landing atop her, on Wednesday. The violent incident, captured by courtroom video, resulted in Clark County District Judge Mary Kay Holthus falling back from her seat against a wall. She suffered some injuries but was not hospitalized, according to courthouse officials. The video has been shared massively on the social media platform.

Nevada Judge attacked: Everything you need to know

Attack on Nevada Judge and Court Marshal in Courtroom

In a violent incident at the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas, a defendant, Deobra Delone Redden, 30, attacked Clark County District Judge Mary Kay Holthus and a courtroom marshal during a felony battery case proceeding. The attack occurred at approximately 11 a.m.

Attackers's Background

Deobra Delone Redden, a Las Vegas resident, had previously served prison time in Nevada on a domestic battery conviction. He was found mentally competent to stand trial before pleading guilty in November to a reduced charge of attempted battery causing substantial bodily harm.

Injuries and Hospitalization

As a result of the attack, Judge Mary Kay Holthus suffered injuries but was not hospitalized. A courtroom marshal who came to the judge's aid sustained injuries and was hospitalized for a bleeding gash on his forehead and a dislocated shoulder.

Arrest and Charges

The defendant, Deobra Delone Redden, was subdued by court and jail officers and courtroom staff members after leaping over the defense table and judge's bench. The attacker would face multiple new felony charges, including battery on a protected person, referring to the judge and court officers.

Legal Background and Defendant's Actions

Redden had been prosecuted on a case related to allegations from the previous year, where he was accused of attacking a person with a baseball bat. He was not in custody when he arrived at court, and his defense attorney, Caesar Almase, did not provide immediate comments.

Courtroom Chaos and Charges Faced

In the courtroom, chaos ensued as Redden charged forward, yelling expletives, when the judge indicated her intention to send him to prison. The incident prompted screams from others in the courtroom audience. Redden now faces charges related to the attack.

Official Response on the incident

Judge Mary Kay Holthus, with over 27 years of courthouse experience, was elected to the state court bench in 2018 and again in 2022. In response to the incident, court officials are reviewing protocols to ensure the safety of the judiciary, the public, and employees.