Man Who Attacked Judge in Las Vegas Courtroom Refuses to Appear in Court Again, Bail Remains at $54,000

LAS VEGAS - Deobra Redden, the individual who launched a violent attack on Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus during a sentencing hearing, did not attend his initial appearance in court on Thursday. Redden, a 30-year-old with a history of felonies, remains incarcerated.

Redden had been present in Judge Holthus' courtroom to face sentencing on a charge of attempted battery causing substantial bodily harm. However, as Holthus was preparing to issue a prison sentence, Redden unexpectedly lunged over the bench and assaulted her.

Despite being scheduled to appear in the same courtroom where the attack took place, Redden opted not to attend his initial appearance on Thursday. The Clark County District Attorney's office requested that Redden be held without bail, citing concerns of community safety. However, Pro-Tem Judge Lauren Diefenbach, necessitating Redden's presence to argue about bail, decided to keep the bail at $54,000.

Under Nevada law, defendants can collaborate with a bail bond company to post 15% of the bail amount. In Redden's case, that would equate to $8,100. District Attorney Steve Wolfson expressed dissatisfaction with Diefenbach's decision, stating, "We asked for a no-bail setting. We asked that he be detained because we believe that he is a danger to the community."

Redden, accompanied by his mother, has a notable criminal record, including three felony convictions and nine misdemeanor convictions, as per documents obtained by the 8 News Now Investigators.

Video footage shared with the 8 News Now Investigators captured the moment Redden attacked Judge Holthus while she was considering denying his probation request. Several individuals intervened, engaging in physical confrontation with Redden and eventually subduing him.

Upon arrest, Redden faced new charges of battery and battery on a protected person. One count of the battery-on-a-protected-person charge noted that the victim suffered substantial harm. Court officials have reported that the extent of Judge Holthus' injuries is being monitored, while a marshal involved in the incident was taken to the hospital and listed in stable condition as of Wednesday afternoon.

Redden is scheduled to appear in court again on January 9th. The incident has prompted a review of security protocols within Clark County courts.