In this image from a video provided by Clark County District Court, the defendant, identified by court officials and records as Deobra Redden, confronts Mary Kay Holthus during sentencing in a felony assault case on Wednesday, Jan. 3. He is shown jumping over the judge's desk. 2024, Las Vegas. The judge suffered minor injuries and the court marshal suffered bleeding to the forehead and dislocated his shoulder, authorities said. (Clark County District Court, via AP)
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Amid four high-profile incidents at the Community Justice Center, court leaders are taking action to prevent further violence, including allocating money for security upgrades.
The Regional Justice Center houses both the Clark County District Court and Las Vegas Justice Court, as well as the Clark County District Attorney's Office.
As 8 News Now Investigators first reported earlier this month, an inmate who had just pleaded guilty to biting a police officer's hand attacked another inmate inside the courtroom.
Dustin Langham, 18, of Verdon Bridge, punched him during a hearing on Thursday, February 1. Langham and Bridge, who were in custody at the time, sat next to each other during the hearing in Clark County District Court Judge Vita Yeager's courtroom. entered a guilty plea.
Video obtained by 8 News Now investigators showed Langham punching Bridges several times. Several correctional officers and court marshals then separated the men and handcuffed Langham. Officers then removed all other inmates from the courtroom.
On January 23, Yousaf Azami, 59, was scheduled for a preliminary hearing on charges of kidnapping, indecent assault and sexual assault. Azami was walking outside the courtroom when a man believed to be related to the victim walked up and punched her.
On January 3, a man was captured on video jumping over a table and charging at a district court judge in the same building. Deobra Redden, 30, faces several charges related to the case involving Judge Mary Kay Holthus.
In October, Tyler Hu, 30, punched Richard Gross, 80, during a court hearing, and Hu said Gross had sexually abused him for years as a child. . Mr. Hu punched Mr. Gross during the Oct. 2 sentencing. He was then arrested on a misdemeanor charge. The charges were later dropped.
Chief Justice Jerry Weese raised concerns about safety at a press conference the day after the Holthus attack.
“We have notified the Clark County Administrator of the need for additional sheriff positions on the high-risk calendar,” Wiese said. “There's always a shortage of sheriffs. We always think having more security presence for the courthouse would be better.”
A court spokesperson said the court is amending its security contract to supplement the courthouse sheriff. The court is also working on additional safety and security measures, adding marshals to the courtroom for “high-risk” cases.
In addition, the spokesperson said the court has earmarked $1.7 million for security upgrades and is considering the possibility of redesigning the courtroom.
The public is allowed access to the lobby and other areas of the courthouse. During the hearing, the sheriff will check in those who request a seat in the audience.
