On January 3, 2024, Deobra Delone Redden, a 30-year-old defendant, attacked District Judge Mary Kay Holthus during a sentencing hearing in a Las Vegas courtroom. The incident occurred at the Clark County District Court.
Redden, who was being sentenced for a felony battery case, leaped over the defense table and the judge’s bench, landing on top of Judge Holthus and initiating a violent brawl. The attack caused injuries to Judge Holthus, although she was not hospitalized. A courtroom marshal who came to her aid was injured and hospitalized with a bleeding gash on his forehead and a dislocated shoulder.
Redden was not in custody when he arrived at court and was seen asking the judge for leniency, describing himself as someone who always tries to do the right thing. As Judge Holthus indicated her intention to imprison him, Redden charged forward, leading to his arrest and new felony charges, including battery on a protected person. The attack was captured on courtroom video, and it showed the chaotic and violent scene as court and jail officers, along with courtroom staff, intervened.
Judge Holthus, a career prosecutor with over 27 years of experience, was elected to the state court bench in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. Following the incident, court officials stated that they were reviewing all protocols to ensure the safety of the judiciary, public, and employees.
