Man pleads guilty in Las Vegas courtroom attack on judge

On January 3, a man named Deobra Delone Redden attacked Judge Mary Kay Holthus in a Las Vegas courtroom just before she was to deliver his sentence for a separate felony attempted battery case. The incident was captured on video, showing Redden vaulting over the judge's bench and landing on her, causing her to fear for her life. Witnesses, including court officials and attorneys, intervened to save Holthus, with one law clerk testifying that he thought Redden would kill her. During the struggle, an armed marshal was injured, suffering a bleeding gash and a dislocated shoulder. Redden, who is 31 years old and has a history of mental health issues, pleaded guilty but mentally ill to attempted murder and several other charges. His defense attorney indicated that Redden had not been taking his prescribed medication for schizophrenia, which may have contributed to his violent behavior. The court found him competent to enter his plea, despite his mental health challenges. The plea agreement could impact Redden's mental health treatment while incarcerated. Prosecutor John Giordani stated that Redden could face up to 86 years in prison for his eight felony pleas, which include battery against a protected person and intimidating a public officer. Following the attack, Redden reportedly admitted to correctional staff that he intended to kill the judge. Sentencing for Redden is scheduled for November 7, and the case highlights the intersection of mental health issues and violent crime, raising questions about the adequacy of treatment for individuals with severe mental health conditions in the criminal justice system.