Felon who attacked judge during sentencing now charged for attempted murder
Kit Roberts
Featured Image Credit: Clark County District Court
A man who attacked a judge during a sentencing hearing has now been charged with attempted murder.
Deobra Redden, 30, went viral on social media last month after footage emerged of a sentencing hearing in Las Vegas.
Redden was seen to leap over the bench and attack Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus.
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Judge Holthus had been about to sentence Redden for an attempted battery offence on 3 January, but was interrupted by the defendant's attack.
The defendant had requested leniency in the sentence, but Judge Holthus was in the process of denying the request.
Redden responded by launching himself at the judge, and could be heard to say 'nah, f**k that b***h' as he flew over the bench.
Ushers grappled with Redden to restrain him during the assault.
A week later Judge Holthus sentenced Redden to four years in prison over the attempted battery charge.
Now, new charges have been brought against Redden in relation to the infamous incident, which went viral online.
A grand jury brought an indictment against Redden on Thursday, 8 February.
These have included a charge of attempted murder in relation to the incident.
A charge sheet alleges that he allegedly carried this out by “by grabbing her, pulling her hair, placing his hands around her throat and/or hitting her on the head by manner and means unknown.”
Redden has also been accused of “punching and/or kicking and/or pushing” a Las Vegas police officer.
Redden's foster mother Karen Springer and older sister LaDonna Daniels told reporters outside court that he has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but court records show he was deemed medically fit to stand trial.
Redden's previous criminal history includes convictions for three felonies and nine misdemeanors, most of which are in relation to violent acts, according to Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson.
Court documents state that Redden allegedly hit Judge Holthus' head against a wall and pulled out part of her hair during the assault.
On 3 January, Clark County Chief Judge Jerry Wiese said Judge Holthus remains 'sore and stiff but is thankful that this was not more severe'.
The judge was not the only person injured during the incident, with marshall Shane Brandon requiring 25 stitches in a cut on his face, and law clerk Michael Lasso also sustaining injuries.
Judge Wiese reflected: "This is a very unique situation, that as far as I know never happened before, with somebody Supermanning over a judicial bench."
Redden's arraignment is scheduled for 29 February.