Deobra Redden, the man sentenced to a minimum of 26 years in prison for attacking Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus last year, has filed an appeal with the Nevada Supreme Court, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned.
On January 3, 2024, Redden, 31, launched a violent attack on Judge Holthus during a sentencing hearing. The assault occurred as Holthus was presiding over his previous case, which ultimately led to his conviction. In December, District Court Judge Susan Johnson sentenced Redden to a prison term ranging from 26 to 65 years.
During sentencing, Judge Johnson described the attack as more than just a personal act of violence—calling it an assault on the entire judicial system. “This wasn’t just retaliation or an attack on Judge Holthus,” Johnson said. “It was an attack on the judiciary itself.” She emphasized that mental health evaluations concluded Redden had full awareness between right and wrong at the time of the attack.
In court, Redden, who showed little remorse, told Judge Johnson, “I’m not an evil… I’m not a bad person. I’m not making excuses for my actions, but I’m saying I’m not a bad person, and I know that I did not intend to kill Mary Kay Holthus. I cared about her wellbeing.” Despite his statements, Judge Johnson’s decision remained firm.
Redden’s appeal now moves to the Nevada Supreme Court, where his legal team will argue against the severity of the sentence handed down. His minimum term of 26 years has sparked widespread debate about the nature of his crime and the appropriate level of punishment.
The legal proceedings are expected to draw significant attention as the case delves into issues of accountability, mental health, and the impact of violent actions on public officials.
