Man who attacked Las Vegas judge during sentencing now charged by grand jury for attempted murder

Deobra Redden is seen launching over the desk of Judge Mary Kay Holthus during his sentencing in a felony battery case on Wednesday, January 3 in Las Vegas. Photo / AP

A man who leaped over a judicial bench and attacked a Nevada judge during a sentencing hearing in Las Vegas last month that was captured in a courtroom video that went viral has now been charged with attempted murder.

A grand jury returned the nine-count indictment against Deobra Redden, 30, in Las Vegas. His arraignment is scheduled for February 29.

Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus was about to deliver Redden’s sentence in an attempted battery case on January 3 when he lunged over the bench at her.

Courtroom cameras recorded as Holthus’ clerk and a court marshal fought with Redden to restrain him, and the wild footage was widely viewed on the internet via social media posts. A week later, Judge Holthus sentenced him to up to four years in prison for the battery charge he had pleaded guilty to in November.

Deobra Redden is seen launching himself over the desk of Judge Mary Kay Holthus during his sentencing in a felony battery case in January. Photo / AP

The new indictment for attempted murder alleges Redden attacked Holthus “by grabbing her, pulling her hair, placing his hands around her throat and/or hitting her on the head by manner and means unknown”. He’s also accused of “punching and/or kicking and/or pushing” a Las Vegas police officer.

Deobra Delone Redden appears again in front of Judge Holthus to complete his sentencing in Las Vegas. Photo / AP

A lawyer who represented Redden at the initial hearing did not immediately reply to a phone message seeking comment.

Redden’s foster mother Karen Springer and older sister LaDonna Daniels told reporters outside court last month Redden has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, though court records show he was found competent to stand trial.

Clark County district attorney Steve Wolfson said at the time that Redden’s adult criminal history included convictions for three felonies and nine misdemeanours, mostly involving violent acts.