LAS VEGAS (AP) — A defendant is set to appear again in front of Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus on Monday morning after a violent courtroom altercation. Deobra Redden, who was facing a felony battery charge, leapt over the judge’s bench and attacked her during his previous appearance on January 3. In an attempt to avoid prison time, Redden pleaded for leniency and claimed he was trying to change his violent behavior. When it became apparent that the judge was going to sentence him to prison, Redden became agitated and charged forward, resulting in a chaotic and bloody brawl.
In a dramatic scene captured on video, Redden vaulted a defense table and dove over the judge’s bench, landing on top of Holthus. Courtroom attendees, including Redden’s foster mother, reacted with screams. The video showed the judge falling back against a wall as an American flag fell on top of them. Holthus suffered injuries but returned to work the following day.
Jerry Wiese, the court’s chief judge, described Redden’s leap as him “supermanning over the judicial bench.” The defendant grabbed the judge’s hair, and it took the efforts of her clerk, Michael Lasso, as well as several court and jail officers, to wrestle him off her. Lasso sustained cuts on his hands during the struggle, while a marshal was hospitalized for a dislocated shoulder and a gash on his forehead.
Redden’s defense attorney, Caesar Almase, declined to comment on the incident. Following the attack, Redden was detained on $54,000 bail but refused to return to court the next day. As a result, his next court appearance was rescheduled for Tuesday. In addition to the initial felony battery charge, Redden now faces charges of extortion, coercion with force, and battery on a protected person, referring to the judge and the officers who intervened.
During Monday’s appearance, Judge Holthus is expected to continue sentencing Redden for the baseball bat attack case. Initially charged with assault, Redden reached a plea deal and pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of attempted battery resulting in substantial injuries. District Attorney Steve Wolfson stated that Redden’s criminal record consists mainly of violent offenses, including three felonies and nine misdemeanors.
Redden, 30, had attempted to persuade the judge during his previous appearance that he was not a rebellious person and did not believe imprisonment was appropriate for him. At the time of the attack, Redden was not shackled or wearing jail attire because he had been released from custody while awaiting sentencing.
In conclusion, a defendant will face Judge Mary Kay Holthus again after a violent outburst in the courtroom. Deobra Redden leapt over the judge’s bench and attacked her during his previous appearance. The incident led to a chaotic and bloody brawl, resulting in injuries for the judge, her clerk, and a court marshal. Redden’s criminal record is predominantly violent, consisting of three felonies and nine misdemeanors. The defendant’s next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday.