In a dramatic courtroom incident earlier this year, Deobra Delone Redden, 31, was captured on video leaping over a judge’s bench to attack Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus during a sentencing hearing. This week, Redden was sentenced to serve between 26 and 65 years in a Nevada prison for the assault.
The attack occurred on January 3, 2024, as Judge Holthus was about to sentence Redden in a separate felony battery case. Courtroom footage shows Redden vaulting over the 4-foot-high bench and tackling the 62-year-old judge, causing her to fall backward. He grabbed her hair and pulled her to the ground, toppling an American flag onto them. Several individuals, including a courtroom marshal and Holthus’ law clerk, intervened to subdue Redden. The judge sustained minor injuries and was not hospitalized.
In September, Redden pleaded guilty but mentally ill to charges including attempted murder. During the sentencing, he expressed remorse, stating, “I’m not a bad person. I’m not an evil person.” He attributed his actions to mental health struggles, noting he was not on his prescribed schizophrenia medication at the time of the attack.
Judge Susan Johnson, who presided over the sentencing, emphasized the severity of the offense, describing it as an “attack on the judiciary.” She sentenced Redden to consecutive terms for each charge, totaling a minimum of 26 years before he is eligible for parole. Additionally, Redden was ordered to pay over $61,000 in restitution.
This incident underscores the potential dangers faced by judicial officials and highlights the importance of courtroom security. Despite the traumatic experience, Judge Holthus returned to the bench shortly after the attack, demonstrating resilience and dedication to her role.