Mary Kay Holthus is a district judge in Clark County, Nevada, who was recently assaulted by a defendant in her courtroom. She is a former prosecutor who has handled many high-profile cases in her career. In this article, we will explore her background, the attack, and her recent cases and contributions.
Who is Mary Kay Holthus?
Mary Kay Holthus was elected to the Clark County District bench in 2018, after serving as a district attorney for 27 years. She graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a law degree. She joined the Clark County District Attorney’s Office in 1991 and worked in various divisions, including homicide, sexual assault, and domestic violence. She also served as the chief deputy district attorney for the special victims unit and the gang crimes unit.
As a prosecutor, Holthus handled many complex and sensitive cases, such as the murder of 10-year-old Jade Morris by Brenda Stokes Wilson, the serial rapist Christopher Sena, and the death penalty case of Javier Righetti. She was known for her professionalism, compassion, and dedication to justice.
Attack in Courtroom
On March 29, 2024, Holthus was presiding over the sentencing of Deobra Redden, who was convicted of attempted murder, robbery, and burglary. Redden had stabbed a woman multiple times during a home invasion in 2019. As Holthus was reading the sentence of 25 years to life, Redden suddenly lunged at her and tried to grab her. He was quickly subdued by the bailiffs and taken out of the courtroom. Holthus was not injured in the attack, but she was visibly shaken. She later resumed the hearing and imposed the sentence on Redden.
Redden now faces additional charges of battery by a prisoner and assault on a protected person. He could face up to 20 more years in prison if convicted. His motive for the attack is unclear, but he had previously expressed dissatisfaction with his defense attorney and the jury verdict.
Recent Cases and Contributions by Judge Holthus
As a district judge, Holthus has presided over many civil and criminal cases in Clark County. She has also been involved in several initiatives and programs to improve the judicial system and the community. Some of her recent cases and contributions are:
- In January 2024, she sentenced Darnell Rodgers to 10 years in prison for kidnapping and domestic battery. Rodgers was caught on a doorbell camera dragging his girlfriend by the hair and forcing her into a car in 2019. Holthus said the sentence was appropriate for the “horrific” crime and the “terror” the victim endured.
- In December 2023, she granted a motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by former casino mogul Steve Wynn against the Nevada Gaming Control Board and the Nevada Gaming Commission. Wynn had sued the regulators for trying to revoke his gaming license over allegations of sexual misconduct. Holthus ruled that Wynn had no standing to sue because he had already sold his shares and resigned from his company.
- In November 2023, she participated in a panel discussion on human trafficking awareness and prevention, hosted by the Clark County Bar Association. She shared her insights and experiences as a former prosecutor and a current judge on how to combat this global problem and help the victims.
- In October 2023, she volunteered at the annual Trunk or Treat event, organized by the Clark County Law Foundation. She dressed up as Wonder Woman and handed out candy and books to children from low-income families. She said she enjoyed giving back to the community and promoting literacy among the youth.
Conclusion
Mary Kay Holthus is a respected and experienced judge in Clark County, who has faced a violent attack in her courtroom. She is a former prosecutor who has handled many challenging and notable cases in her career. She is also a active and generous member of the community, who has contributed to various causes and programs. She is a role model and a leader in the legal profession and the society.
