A man seen attacking a Nevada judge by leaping over a bench in a shocking video earlier this year has pleaded guilty but mentally ill to attempted murder.
Deobra Redden, 31, entered guilty pleas before his trial began on Tuesday to six charges but maintained his innocence regarding attempted murder against a victim aged 60 or older. On Thursday, he withdrew the previous pleas and pleaded guilty but mentally ill to each count instead.
Redden’s charges include battery of a protected person aged 60 or older, intimidation of a public officer, battery on an officer, willful or wanton disregard for safety resulting in substantial harm, battery by a prisoner, and unlawful act related to bodily fluid.
The Judge Mary Kay Holthus, who was attacked by #DeobraRedden, emotionally testified.
Redden pleaded guilty by reason of insanity and could receive 3 years in prison. pic.twitter.com/2te586NP1b
— Jennifer Coffindaffer (@CoffindafferFBI) September 6, 2024
Pleading guilty but mentally ill could influence the type of facility Redden is placed in and the mental health treatment he receives.
On January 3, Judge Mary Kay Holthus was about to inform Redden of his punishment in Clark County District Court when chaos erupted after Redden was denied bond.
A video obtained by Fox News Digital shows Redden’s attorney requesting probation for his client. Holthus responded, “I think it’s time he got a taste of something else.”
Redden then leapt over the bench with arms and legs outstretched, landing on the judge. He grabbed the judge’s hair and was wrestled off by clerk Michael Lasso and several court and jail officers, some of whom threw punches. Lasso suffered cuts on his hands, and a marshal was hospitalized with a dislocated shoulder and a gash on his forehead. Holthus sustained injuries but returned to work the next day.
Before Redden pleaded guilty on Thursday, Holthus and the court clerk who intervened took the stand. Holthus described her process of reviewing cases and determining probation and sentencing terms. She could not recall if Redden was in jail or if his probation had been revoked, noting that he remained calm during the January hearing, which seemed typical.
When the video was played in court, Holthus became emotional. She recounted the aftermath of the attack, experiencing headaches, soreness, and stiffness. “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 said.
Redden’s case was initially set for a jury trial, but his plea change led to jury dismissal. He is expected back in court on November 7, 2024.
Redden’s criminal record includes mostly violent offenses, with prior convictions for three felonies and nine misdemeanors. He previously served prison time in Nevada for domestic battery.
What Other Media Are Saying
- KTNV reports that Deobra Redden, the man involved in a viral courtroom attack, has been indicted by a Clark County grand jury with nine new charges, including attempted murder, following his leaping over the bench to attack Judge Mary Kay Holthus.(read more)
- AP News reports that Deobra Redden, who attacked a Nevada judge in court, has pleaded guilty while mentally ill to attempted murder.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did Deobra Redden plead guilty to?
He pleaded guilty but mentally ill to attempted murder and five other charges.
What happened during the attack on the Nevada judge?
Redden leaped over the bench, grabbed the judge’s hair, and had to be wrestled off by court officers.
How might Redden’s plea affect his imprisonment?
Pleading guilty but mentally ill could influence the type of facility and mental health treatment he receives.
Did the judge suffer any injuries from the attack?
Yes, Judge Holthus had a headache, soreness, and stiffness after the attack.
What is Deobra Redden’s criminal history like?
Redden has a history of mostly violent offenses, including three felonies and nine misdemeanors.