A sentencing hearing in Las Vegas took a violent turn when a defendant, Deobra Redden, attacked Judge Mary Kay Holthus.
RELATED: Who is Stelle Ciccone? All About Madonna’s adopted daughters
This incident occurred during Redden’s sentencing for attempted battery with substantial bodily harm. The attack has left both the judge and a courtroom marshal injured, and it has garnered significant attention on social media.
The Attack:
- Defendant’s Violent Outburst:
- Deobra Redden, a 30-year-old with a history of criminal convictions, was in court for sentencing.
- Redden unexpectedly lunged over the bench toward Judge Holthus, attempting to attack her.
- Chaos ensued as courtroom attendees reacted to the sudden violence.
- Video footage of the incident went viral on social media, gaining over 30 million views.
RELATED: Who is Michael Galeotti? All About Bethany Joy Lenz’s Ex-husband
Injuries and Consequences:
- Injured Parties:
- Both Judge Mary Kay Holthus and a courtroom marshal sustained injuries during the attack.
- The judge is currently under medical monitoring for her injuries.
- The courtroom marshal was taken to the hospital but is reported to be in stable condition.
- Legal Consequences:
- Deobra Redden was taken into custody and faces charges of battery and battery of a protected person.
- His attorney has not yet provided a comment on the incident.
- The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the attack.
Defendant’s Criminal History:
- Extensive Criminal Record:
- Redden had a history of criminal convictions, including three felonies and nine misdemeanors.
- Past convictions included domestic battery, assault, attempted theft, and battery with substantial bodily harm.
- Redden had violated probation multiple times during his previous convictions.
- Previous Sentencing and Probation:
- Redden had been sentenced to probation multiple times in the past.
- He had undergone anger management classes and participated in mental health court programs.
- Despite numerous convictions and probation violations, he had been released on parole in 2022.
- Recent Court Proceedings:
- Prior to the attack, Redden pleaded guilty to attempted battery with substantial bodily harm.
- He had been released without bail in January 2023 and was on probation.
- Judge Holthus sentenced him to probation in February but later ordered him to serve jail time in October 2023 for a probation violation.
Defendant’s Plea and Remarks:
- Plea for Probation:
- During the hearing, Redden’s attorney requested probation as his sentence.
- The prosecution, however, recommended a prison sentence of 19-48 months.
- Defendant’s Response:
- Redden acknowledged his criminal history and cited improvements in his mental health.
- He claimed to have a support system and stable employment.
- Redden expressed a preference for not going to prison but understood the judge’s discretion.
RELATED: Who Is Damian Musk? All About Elon Musk’ Son
Conclusion:
The attack on Judge Mary Kay Holthus during Deobra Redden’s sentencing hearing highlights the challenges faced by the justice system in dealing with repeat offenders with extensive criminal histories. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for courtroom security and the importance of ensuring the safety of judges, court personnel, and the public.