A man involved in a shocking courtroom attack on a judge in Las Vegas has pleaded guilty but mentally ill to attempted murder and other charges. The incident occurred when the man, Deobra Delone Redden, leaped over the bench and desk of Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus, causing her to fear for her life. The attack took place on January 3 during a sentencing hearing for Redden's previous felony attempted battery case.
Judge Holthus testified that she felt defenseless during the assault and credited court officials and attorneys for saving her life. Witnesses described the chaotic scene, with a law clerk witnessing Redden grabbing the judge's hair and fearing for her safety. The courtroom marshal also sustained injuries while trying to intervene, including a bleeding gash on his forehead and a dislocated shoulder.
Redden's defense attorney revealed that his client had not been taking prescribed medication to manage his diagnosed schizophrenia, which could impact his mental health treatment while in custody. The 31-year-old defendant is already serving time for prior felony battery convictions and could face up to 86 years in prison for the recent charges, including battery of a protected person and intimidating a public officer.
Despite Redden's history of mental health issues, the prosecutor emphasized that he made a conscious choice to act on his homicidal impulses that day. The court ruled Redden competent to enter his plea, and sentencing is scheduled for November 7. The severity of the attack has underscored the importance of courtroom security and the challenges faced by judicial officials in maintaining safety during legal proceedings.
