Deobra Delone Redden, a convict, was sentenced to between 26 and 65 years in prison for attacking a Nevada judge during a courtroom hearing in January. The attack, which was captured on video, involved Redden violently launching himself over a courtroom bench towards the judge. Redden had initially been convicted of attempted battery causing substantial bodily harm in Las Vegas. He pleaded guilty to a reduced charge in November 2023 and was released from custody, only to attack the judge in January 2024, resulting in 13 new charges. During a September hearing, Redden pleaded guilty to attempted murder, battery on a protected person, and other offenses. The judge, Susan Johnson, was not seriously hurt in the attack, but court officials emphasized the need for increased security measures to protect the judiciary, employees, and the public.
Redden’s history included serving prison time in 2021 for a third-offense domestic battery conviction. During the hearing before the attack, Redden expressed a desire to do the right thing, but the judge, Mary Kay Holthus, responded that she “just can’t with that history.” This led to Redden’s violent outburst, where he flung himself over the bench and pulled the judge to the floor by her hair. Court staff and others in the courtroom intervened to restrain Redden, with one court clerk seen hitting him repeatedly. The incident highlighted the importance of safety measures in courtrooms and the dedication of court personnel to protect those involved in legal proceedings.
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