The emotional toll that a vicious attack can have on a Las Vegas judge was evident in court as she pleaded guilty during the sentencing hearing of Deobra Redden, the man who attacked her in January. Judge Mary Kay Holthus appeared visibly shaken and choked back tears while recounting the traumatic incident where Redden tackled her from behind and slammed her head against the floor. She expressed feeling “defenseless” during the attack and commended court officials for intervening and likely saving her life.
Law clerk Michael Lasso, who was present at the time of the attack, wrestled with Redden to subdue him. He told the jury that he believed Redden’s intentions were lethal, and that the attacker intended to kill Judge Holthus. Despite this, prosecutors announced a plea deal after more than two hours of questioning Holthus and Lasso about the horrifying incident.
Redden’s defense attorney, Carl Arnold, revealed that his client suffers from schizophrenia and was not taking his medication during the attack. Although Redden had initially considered pleading not guilty by reason of insanity, the burden of proof for such a defense strategy proved too high.
The disturbing event occurred on January 3rd when Redden leaped over the bench and tackled Judge Holthus while she was about to deliver his sentence in a separate felony attempted battery case. In the footage captured during the attack, Redden is seen sprinting towards the judge with outstretched arms before tackling her to the ground.
In a chilling statement after the incident, Redden expressed dissatisfaction with the judge’s handling of his case, stating that she had it out for him and was evil. Despite this, Judge Holthus was treated for her injuries and returned to work shortly after the attack.
With the conclusion of the trial and a plea deal in place, it remains to be seen what sentence will be handed down to Deobra Redden for his attempted murder of Judge Mary Kay Holthus.
