Updated as of 1/4/2024 at 10:00 a.m. ET
The Nevada judge who was seen being attacked by a defendant who was extremely displeased (and that’s an understatement) with his sentencing - is back working behind the bench.
Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus has seemingly recovered from her injuries after getting pummeled by Deobra Redden, a defendant who was facing sentencing for battery charges earlier this week.
Chief Judge Jerry Wiese confirmed Holthus suffered unspecified injuries and was evaluated but not hospitalized, per a press conference following the incident.
“She wanted me to thank all of the well-wishers and others who have expressed concern for her and her staff. She is extremely grateful for those who took brave action during the attack,” Wiese said in the press conference.
The staff referenced for their help included a group of court marshals and jail officers as well as a law clerk who was cited as the main one to drag Redden away from the judge, per The AP’s report.
What’s the deal with Mr. Redden? He was put back in jail on a $54,000 bail as a result of the attack and refused to come back to court Thursday for the new charges: seven counts of battery of a protected person and 13 counts of extortion and coercion with force, the report says.
His next hearing is scheduled for Jan 9. It’s safe to say his chances of probation are pretty slim.
The Insane Courtroom Video
A video of a Black man in a Las Vegas court is going viral after he went absolutely berserk upon hearing that he was denied probation and about to be handed a prison sentence. In the clip, the man gets out of his seat and goes airborne—jumping up and over top of the judge who had just handed him his sentence. And if he didn’t have a chance of getting out before, he certainly has no chance of getting out now.
Deobra Redden, 30, lost his sh*t in the Las Vegas’ Eighth Judicial District Court on Wednesday morning. He was being sentenced after pleading guilty to attempted battery with substantial bodily harm, according to a court spokesperson via The New York Times. Nevada’s statute classifies this crime as a Class B felony that can carry a sentence of up to 15 years in prison.
In the video of the hearing, Redden explained to the judge that he’d already been to prison and pleaded to be given another chance because he was “in a better place.” In response, Judge Mary Kay Holthus reminded him of his extensive criminal record, citing three felonies, nine misdemeanors and multiple “DV’s” meaning domestic violence offenses.
“I appreciate that but I think it’s time that you get a taste of something else,” she responded to him.
But before she could even read him his prison sentence, all hell broke loose.
In the clip, Redden is seen flying over the bench Judge Holthus was sitting behind, wrapping his arms around her and tackling her to the ground. Moments before, he’s heard spewing a series of expletives. Several guards had to hem Redden up to pull him off of her.
The 62-year-old judge sustained unspecified injuries, and her condition is being monitored, The Times reported. A courtroom marshal was also injured sustaining a bleeding gash on his forehead and a dislocated shoulder.