Video captured the moment Nevada Judge Mary Kay Holthus was attacked in her Las Vegas courtroom on Wednesday as she prepared to decline requests from a recently convicted criminal and his attorney, who requested probation or a suspended sentence.
Holthus was reportedly attacked by Deobra Delone Redden seconds after it became apparent she intended to decline his requests. Video shows Holthus declaring, “I think it’s time he get a taste of something else, because I just can’t with that history.” Holthus was interrupted by screaming expletives, and video appears to show Redden fly across the judge’s bench to attack her.
At least three men quickly ran toward the fighting to separate Holthus and Redden, and one court official appears to punch Redden repeatedly as another voice pleads, “get off her” and “don’t do this.”
JUST IN: Las Vegas man Delone Redden attacks Clark County District Court judge Mary Kay Holthus after he was denied bail due to his criminal history.
This is wild.
While Holthus was preparing to sentence Redden to jail, Redden lunged at her and began punching her.
Holthus was… pic.twitter.com/WGCBDRKco3
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 3, 2024
A longer clip shows court officials requesting medical treatment, though it is unclear whether the call was made for Holthus or Redden. One of the men eventually remarked, “she’s okay, just a hit in the head” as a police officer approached the bench.
Redden is convicted of attempted battery with substantial bodily harm, News 3 Las Vegas reported, and his prior “charges include home invasion, domestic violence and battery on a protected person.”
The outlet explained that Redden’s attorney argued for a suspended sentence, and Redden requested probation prior to the violent outburst. He reportedly told the judge he is “in a better place” in his mind than when he committed the crimes and thus felt he “shouldn’t be sent to prison,” but indicated he would understand if Holthus felt it was “appropriate” for his case. He reportedly vaulted across the courtroom to attack the judge moments later.
In a statement obtained by KTNV Channel 13, the district court wrote that it commends “the heroic acts” of Holthus’ “staff, law enforcement, and all others who subdued the defendant.” In the statement, the officials said, “The court remains committed to a safe and secure courthouse and courtrooms. We are reviewing all protocols and will do whatever is necessary to protect the judiciary, the public, and our employees.”
The outlet also reported that Holthus “experienced some injuries and her condition is being monitored,” while the marshal who helped subdue Redden was transported to a hospital for treatment.
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Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star, and also reports for The Georgia Star News, The Virginia Star, and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
