This video still from Clark County District Court shows Judge Mary Kay Holthus reacting as a defendant jumps over her desk during sentencing for a felony battery case in Las Vegas on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. Reports indicate that the judge incurred minor injuries during the incident, while a courtroom marshal suffered a bleeding gash on the forehead and a dislocated shoulder. (Image source: Clark County District Court via AP)
LAS VEGAS - A Nevada judge resumed her duties just a day after a startling incident where she was physically attacked by a defendant during a sentencing hearing. The defendant, identified as Deobra Redden, launched himself over the judge's bench in a video-recorded courtroom incident that unfolded after he learned he was facing imprisonment in a felony battery case. The attack left Judge Mary Kay Holthus with injuries, but she was promptly evaluated and did not require hospitalization, as confirmed by courthouse officials.
Chief Judge Jerry Wiese provided updates on the incident at a news conference on Thursday, sharing a statement from Judge Holthus expressing gratitude for the outpouring of concern and support from well-wishers. The attack occurred during a rescheduled sentencing hearing for Redden, scheduled to reconvene on Monday morning before Clark County District Court.
During the violent encounter, Holthus was assisted by her law clerk, Michael Lasso, and several court and jail officers who intervened to restrain Redden. Lasso's swift action was credited with preventing more severe injuries to the judge. The brawl resulted in injuries, including a courtroom marshal hospitalized for a bleeding forehead gash and a dislocated shoulder, and Lasso receiving treatment for cuts on his hands.
Redden, 30, facing charges totalling 13 counts, including extortion and coercion with force, was initially jailed with a $54,000 bail in connection with the attack. However, he refused to appear in court on the subsequent day, leading to a rescheduling of his next appearance to January 9. Seven of the new counts are related to battery on a protected person, referring to the judge and the assisting officers.
District Attorney Steve Wolfson highlighted Redden's violent criminal history, comprising three felonies and nine misdemeanours. Wolfson argued for Redden to be held without bail, citing him as an "extreme danger to the community and a flight risk."
Redden's defence attorney, Caesar Almase, declined to comment on the incident. During the initial sentencing hearing, Redden, not shackled or in jail attire due to a prior release agreement, pleaded for leniency, asserting he was someone who continually sought to do the right thing. However, as the judge signalled his impending imprisonment, Redden vehemently protested, leading to the shocking physical altercation.
Records show Redden's evaluation for competency to stand trial in the battery case, where he pleaded guilty to attempted battery resulting in substantial injuries. He had previously served prison time in Nevada for a domestic battery conviction.
Judge Holthus, elected to the state court bench in 2018 after a career spanning more than 27 years as a prosecutor, is now recovering from the incident as the legal proceedings against Redden continue.
