Nevada Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Murder in Viral Judge Attack Case

A Nevada man who attacked a judge in a viral courtroom video pleads guilty but mentally ill to attempted murder.

At a Glance

Deobra Redden, 31, pleaded guilty but mentally ill to attempted murder after attacking Judge Mary Kay Holthus.
The attack occurred on January 3 when Redden leaped over the bench, injuring the judge and court staff.
Redden’s plea change could impact his prison treatment and placement.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 7, 2024, with Redden facing up to 86 years in prison.

Violent Courtroom Attack Shocks Nevada

On January 3, a routine sentencing hearing in a Nevada courtroom turned into a scene of chaos and violence. Deobra Redden, a 31-year-old man with a history of violent offenses, launched a shocking attack on Judge Mary Kay Holthus. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, has raised serious concerns about courtroom security and the safety of judicial officials.

According to eyewitness accounts, Redden became agitated when Judge Holthus denied his attorney’s request for probation. In a sudden and aggressive move, Redden leaped over the bench, targeting the judge. The attack was swift and brutal, leaving Judge Holthus and court staff injured.

Nevada man seen attacking Clark County judge in viral video sentenced to up to 4 years https://t.co/gStUFRTEDc

— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 8, 2024

Judge Recounts Terrifying Experience

Judge Holthus, who bravely returned to work the day after the attack, provided a harrowing account of her ordeal. “He knocked me literally, almost through the wall, out of my chair. He knocked me so hard; he knocked me out of my shoes,” she testified. The judge’s vivid description underscores the intensity and danger of the assault.

“I absolutely thought, ‘He’s going to kill her,'” testified law clerk Michael Lasso, highlighting the life-threatening nature of the attack.

The attack resulted in injuries to several court personnel, including a dislocated shoulder for a marshal and cuts for the court clerk. Judge Holthus herself suffered from headaches and soreness in the days following the incident.

BREAKING: Man caught on camera attacking Las Vegas judge sentenced to 19 to 48 months in unrelated case https://t.co/wMzKWtw0FV

— The Associated Press (@AP) January 8, 2024

Guilty Plea and Mental Health Considerations

In a significant development, Redden changed his plea to “guilty but mentally ill” on charges of attempted murder and other felonies. This plea acknowledges both his responsibility for the attack and his untreated mental illness, specifically schizophrenia.

“[The plea] reflects a delicate balance between accepting responsibility for a regrettable incident and recognizing the impact of Mr. Redden’s untreated mental illness at the time,” stated Redden’s defense attorney, Carl Arnold.

This plea change could significantly impact Redden’s treatment and placement within the prison system. It raises important questions about the intersection of mental health and criminal justice, and how the system handles individuals with severe mental illnesses who commit violent crimes.

Looking Ahead: Sentencing and Security Measures

Redden is scheduled to appear in court again on November 7, 2024, for sentencing. He faces up to 86 years in prison for his guilty pleas to eight felonies. The case has prompted discussions about enhancing courtroom security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As the legal system grapples with the aftermath of this shocking attack, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by those who uphold the law. The incident has sparked a renewed focus on protecting judicial figures and ensuring the safety of all courtroom participants.