A Las Vegas judge who was brutally attacked in her courtroom by a newly convicted felon has returned to work just one day after the attack.
Deobra Redden, 30, charged Judge Mary Kay Holthus in court Wednesday morning, declaring “nah f*** that b**ch” and “supermanning” about her couch, while rejecting his pleas for more probation.
During the bloody brawl, Holthus fell back from her seat against a wall when Redden landed on top of her and grabbed her, causing an American flag to fall on them.
The defendant had to be dragged away from the judge by her court clerk and several court and prison officials, including some who threw punches.
Holthus suffered some injuries during the incident and was evaluated but not hospitalized, court officials said. She went back to work on Thursday.
Redden was ordered held on $54,000 bond in connection with the attack, but declined to return to court Thursday on the new charges. That's why a judge postponed his next appearance to Tuesday. He will face Holthus again for his rescheduled sentencing.
Deobra Redden, 30, refused to emerge from cells as he faces six new felony charges following his attack on Judge Mary Holthus on Wednesday
Judge Mary Holthus had warned him 'it's time he tasted something different'
The serial criminal threw herself at the judge as she prepared to deny him probation
Redden launched himself at Holthus on Wednesday morning after it became clear he was being sentenced to prison, a court official said.
Chief Judge Jerry Wiese shared a statement at a news conference Thursday from Holthus, who will sentence Redden on Monday in Clark County District Court.
“She wanted me to thank all the well-wishers and others who have expressed concerns about her and her staff,” Wiese said.
“She is deeply grateful to those who took courageous action during the attack.”
A marshal in the courtroom was hospitalized for treatment of a bleeding gash on his forehead and a dislocated shoulder, and Holthus' clerk, Michael Lasso, was treated for cuts on his hands.
Wiese praised Lasso for his quick action, saying he was the “primary person” who took the defendant away from the judge “and likely saved her from more serious injuries.”
Redden faces 13 charges, including extortion and coercion with violence in the aftermath of the attack. Seven of the new charges relate to a protected person, referring to the judge and officers who came to her aid.
“It happened so quickly that it was hard to know what to do,” said Chief District Attorney Richard Scow, who prosecuted Redden for allegedly attacking someone with a baseball bat last year.
District Attorney Steve Wolfson said the suspect's criminal record is characterized by mostly violent crimes and includes prior convictions for three felonies and nine misdemeanors.
He said Redden should be held without bail as “an extreme danger to the community and a flight risk.” Wolfson added: “He has been violent all his adult life.”
Redden's attorney, Caesar Almase, declined to comment Wednesday.
Judge Holthus on the election trail in 2020 as she joined the bench of Nevada's 8th Judicial District Court
Deobra Redden, 30, has a long record of violent crimes dating back to at least 2012
Judge Holthus, a native of New York State with three adult children, joined the Clark County Court as a Deputy District Attorney in 1991
Redden was not handcuffed or jailed at his sentencing hearing Wednesday because he was released from custody as part of a deal with prosecutors in which he pleaded guilty in November to a reduced charge of attempted battery with substantial injury to consequence.
He was initially charged with the baseball bat attack with a deadly weapon, court records show.
He wore a white shirt and dark pants as he stood next to his lawyer Wednesday and asked the judge for leniency, describing himself as “someone who never stops trying to do the right thing, no matter how hard it is.”
“I am not a rebellious person,” he told Holthus, adding that he does not think he should be sent to prison.
“But if it's right for you, then you have to do what you have to do.”
Moments later, when the judge made it clear that she intended to put him behind bars, the court marshal moved to handcuff him and take him into custody. Redden shouted expletives and charged forward.
People who had been sitting in the courtroom with him in the audience, including his foster mother, started screaming.
Defendant Deobra Redden wearing a white long-sleeved shirt is seen standing next to his attorney during his sentencing in a battery box, Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, in Las Vegas
Judge Mary Kay Holthus is seen cradling her head after Redden jumped over her desk during his sentencing in a battery case, Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, in Las Vegas
Redden has a long criminal history with charges in both Nevada and Texas. The 30-year-old has been charged with assault, theft, assault, property damage and coercion, records show.
A judge had previously required Redden to undergo a competency determination. Records show he was evaluated and found competent to stand trial in the battery box before pleading guilty to the reduced charge.
Redden, who lives in Las Vegas, previously served time in prison in Nevada on a domestic battery conviction, records show.
Holthus was a career prosecutor with more than 27 years of court experience when she was elected to the state court in 2018.