Posted on: January 4, 2024, 01:34h.
Last updated on: January 4, 2024, 01:34h.
A Las Vegas judge and court marshal were injured Wednesday morning after they were attacked by a defendant who was angered he once again was heading to prison.
Upon hearing he would be incarcerated, Deobra Delone Redden, 30, of Las Vegas, hurled obscenities and leaped at Clark County District Judge Mary Kay Holthus while she was seated at the bench.
He jumped on top of Holthus, repeatedly punched her, and pushed her against a wall, according to local media reports.
Holthus was injured but didn’t require immediate hospital treatment.
Marshal Hospitalized
An unnamed marshal assigned to the Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas rushed to her defense. He wound up with a bloody gash on his forehead and a dislocated shoulder, according to the Associated Press. He was treated at a local hospital.
Redden was thrown to the floor after several courtroom staff and officers got into a struggle with him. Several punched Redden during the confrontation, the AP reported.
Redden eventually was apprehended and transported to the Clark County Detention Center where he remains in custody.
On Wednesday, he was arrested on two new charges, battery and battery on a protected person, in reference to the judge and marshal.
The violent incident took place at about 11 a.m. when Redden was scheduled to be sentenced.
It related to an April 23, 2023 arrest for allegedly attempting to assault someone with a baseball bat. In November, he pled guilty to attempted battery causing substantial bodily harm.
Before the attack, Redden told the judge, he didn’t believe he should be sent to prison for last year’s crime. “But if it’s appropriate for you then you have to do what you have to do,” Redden said.
Holthus, who worked as a prosecutor before getting elected a judge, told him she would be sending him to prison and not grant him probation.
“I think it’s time he get a taste of something else,” Holthus said when considering the sentence.
Soon, the situation escalated and Redden shouted obscenities at the judge.
It happened so fast it was hard to know what to do,” Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney Richard Scow later told the AP.
Last year, Redden was found competent to stand trial several months after he was ordered to undergo inpatient treatment at a state forensic psychiatric facility, according to Las Vegas TV station KLAS.
Previously, Redden was imprisoned in Nevada after being convicted for domestic battery, according to the AP.
Courtroom Staff Praised
In a statement after Wednesday’s violence, Las Vegas District Court officials said, “We commend the heroic acts of her staff, law enforcement, and all others who subdued the defendant.
“The court remains committed to a safe and secure courthouse and courtrooms. We are reviewing all our protocols and will do whatever is necessary to protect the judiciary, the public, and our employees.”
“Thank God the judge is okay,” Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson added in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Thank God for the heroic efforts of those who came to her aid, especially her marshal and her law clerk. Without them, the situation would have been much worse as this defendant exhibited extremely violent behavior and I’m confident there will be consequences.”
Redden’s attorney didn’t provide a statement after being contacted by local media on Wednesday.
