Deobra Redden Sentenced for Brutal Courtroom Attack on Judge Mary Kay Holthus in Las Vegas

On January 18, 2024, Deobra Redden shocked a Las Vegas courtroom packed with lawyers.

He attacked District Judge Mary Kay Holthus in a violent outburst during his sentencing hearing.

The dramatic video of Deobra Redden's attack soon went viral online.

It sparked widespread debate about courtroom safety and the legal consequences of courtroom violence. 

Nearly a year later, on December 10, 2024, Redden received a sentence of 26 to 65 years in prison for his actions.

Doebra Redden's sentencing brings a sense of closure to a case that highlighted the unpredictable dangers lawyers in America face.

Judge Mary Kay Holthus

What Led to Deobra Redden's Attack on Judge Holthus?

On January 18, 2024, Judge Mary Kay Holthus was about to sentence Deobra Redden in an attempted battery case. 

As proceedings began, tensions escalated.

In a shocking moment captured on camera, Redden made a dramatic "Superman-style" leap over the judge’s bench.

He tackled the judge, slammed her against the wall, and pulled her hair, all while screaming obscenities.

According to Las Vegas court records, Redden later admitted to having a "bad day. " 

He claimed the judge was "evil" and "had it out for him." 

Despite this, his defense attorney, Carl Arnold, argued that Redden’s actions stemmed from untreated schizophrenia. 

Arnold, who is one of the best lawyers in Las Vegas, stated his client was hearing voices and seeing spirits at the time of the attack.

Sadly, Deobra Redden's attack on Judge Holthus left her seriously injured.

Also, a court marshal and a corrections officer were injured according to court documents. 

The attack

What Charges Did Deobra Redden Face?

After the Las Vegas courtroom attack news, prosecutors filed multiple charges against Redden, including:

• Attempted murder of an older person
• Battery on a protected person resulting in substantial bodily harm
• Intimidation of a public officer
• Unlawful acts involving human excrement or bodily fluids

Redden’s defense team argued he suffered from schizophrenia and was off his medication at the time.

They argued that this impaired his ability to control impulses. 

Defense attorney Carl Arnold stated, “He doesn’t have the same ability to control his anger as others.”

However, prosecuting lawyers disagreed.

They pointed out Redden’s long history of violence, including convictions in 12 prior cases. 

Chief Deputy District Attorney Elizabeth Mercer asserted, “The only time he did not commit new crimes was when he was in custody.”

Deobra Redden

Deobra Redden's Sentencing and Justice

Redden’s sentencing was overseen by District Judge Susan Johnson, who emphasized that the attack extended beyond Judge Holthus.

“It was not just retaliation or an attack on Judge Holthus. It was also an attack on the judiciary,” Johnson said.

After pleading guilty but mentally ill, Redden received a sentence of 26 to 65 years in prison. 

His prior conviction for attempted battery resulted in an earlier sentence of 19 to 48 months, which will run consecutively with the new sentence.

In her statement, Judge Holthus recounted the trauma she and her staff experienced, describing Redden as "big, strong, and angry." 

She credited her marshal and other courtroom officials for their quick action.

 "I owe them my life and will forever be grateful," she said. 

Redden, in his address to the court, claimed he was not a "bad guy" or "evil person." 

He expressed remorse but insisted he had no intention to kill the judge. 

Despite this, his criminal history and lack of impulse control led prosecutors to argue for a substantial sentence to protect future potential victims.

Legal experts believe the sentence was intended to punish Redden and safeguard the integrity of the American judicial system.

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