Felon who attacked judge in court pleads 'guilty but mentally ill'

Sunday, September 8, 2024 - Deobra Redden, the man caught on video attacking a judge during an attempted battery conviction, has pled guilty with a significant caveat—he has been declared "guilty but mentally ill."

In a statement released on Friday, September 6, by Redden's lawyers at CEGA Law Group, they emphasized that their client acknowledges the severity of his actions and is seeking mental health treatment as part of his sentencing. The legal team is pushing for mental health reform and hopes Redden's case will help spotlight the need for improvements in the system.

The attorneys expressed sympathy for Judge Mary Kay Holthus, the judge who was attacked, and thanked the Clark County District Attorney’s Office for working towards a resolution.

The shocking courtroom incident, which was caught on video, shows Redden leaping over the judge's bench as Judge Holthus was delivering his sentence for an earlier conviction. Holthus had made a comment about Redden "getting a taste of something else" before he ran towards her. Despite the chaos, the judge only sustained minor injuries after hitting her head.

Redden was quickly restrained and appeared in court days later, wearing a facemask and hand covers, where he was sentenced to 19-48 months behind bars for the attempted battery conviction.

Redden’s sentencing for the judge attack is set for November 7. His legal team is advocating for mental health treatment to be central to his punishment.