LAS VEGAS (TCD) — A 30-year-old man who was about to be sentenced for attempted battery is now being charged with attempted murder for leaping at the judge in the courtroom and attacking her.
On Wednesday, Jan. 3, Deobra Redden appeared before Judge Mary Kay Holthus and asked to be put on probation rather than sentenced to prison. Hotlhus said, “I appreciate that, but I think it’s time he get a taste of something else because I just can’t with that history.”
As she continued with the sentencing guidelines, Redden swore at her, jumped over her bench, and threw her to the ground. During the scuffle, the American flag fell onto the desk and court officers are seen trying to separate Redden and Holthus. Redden yelled expletives at Holthus, who remained on the ground for several minutes. One court officer punched Redden continuously.
One of the court officials triggered an alarm, which was heard in the background.
According to KLAS-TV, a marshal sustained a gash on his head that required 25 stitches, as well as a dislocated shoulder. Redden allegedly pulled Holthus’ hair, hit her head against the wall, and struck her in the head.
Court records show Redden is now being charged with attempted murder, battery on a protected person resulting in substantial bodily harm, extortion, intimidation of public officers, and more.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports Redden was due back in court Monday, Jan. 8, and Holthus said he needed to be there “by all means necessary.” She sentenced him to 19 months to four years in prison for attempted battery.
She reportedly said at the sentencing, “I want to make it clear that I am not changing or modifying the sentence I was in the process of imposing last week before I was interrupted by the defendant’s actions.”
Redden’s family members said he suffers from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and that having him go to prison would “put him in a worse state of mind, because the system has failed him.”
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