Crystal Mangum, who falsely accused three Duke University lacrosse players of rape in 2006, has admitted to fabricating the allegations. In a recent interview, Mangum apologized to the men, attributing her actions to a desire for validation. The case, which drew significant media attention and raised issues of race and privilege, was eventually dismissed due to lack of evidence. Mangum is currently serving a prison sentence for a separate second-degree murder conviction. Her admission has sparked concerns about the impact of false reports on genuine sexual assault victims.
Crystal Mangum, who accused three Duke lacrosse players of rape in 2006, has admitted on a podcast that she lied about the allegations. Mangum, currently serving time for a separate murder conviction, expressed regret for her false testimony, which led to significant consequences for the players and the Duke lacrosse program. The players were declared innocent in 2007, and the district attorney involved was disbarred for misconduct. Mangum hopes for forgiveness from the players she falsely accused.
Crystal Mangum, who falsely accused three Duke University lacrosse players of rape in 2006, has publicly admitted for the first time that she fabricated the story. In a podcast interview, Mangum expressed remorse and sought forgiveness from the men she accused. The case, which highlighted issues of race, class, and privilege, collapsed in 2007 when no credible evidence was found, leading to the disbarment of the prosecutor involved. Mangum is currently incarcerated for a separate crime.
In Las Vegas, Deobra Redden, a three-time felon, attacked Judge Mary Kay Holthus and several staff members in a courtroom during his sentencing for attempted battery with substantial bodily harm. A new video shows Redden charging at the judge, resulting in injuries to the judge, her bailiff, and a corrections officer. Redden now faces 13 new charges related to the attack and is scheduled for a continued hearing, with the possibility of appearing via teleconference from jail.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who was convicted of second-degree murder for the death of her abusive mother, spoke out in her first TV interview since her release, describing the murder as her "only way out" of the abuse. Her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard, who suffered from Munchausen syndrome by proxy, forced Gypsy to undergo unnecessary medical procedures and feign illness. Gypsy, now 32 and released from prison, hopes her story serves as a cautionary tale and expresses no excuses for her actions, while her then-boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, remains incarcerated for life.
A recent attack on Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus by a defendant in Las Vegas has brought attention to the increasing issue of violence against judges in the U.S. Experts cite a trend of lawlessness and a lack of accountability as contributing factors. High-profile cases of violence and threats against judges, both in and out of the courtroom, underscore the need for greater protections. The U.S. Marshals Service recorded around 4,500 threats against judges in 2022. The Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act was signed into law to protect judges' personal information, but further measures are being called for to ensure judicial safety.
Debora Redden, a three-time felon in Las Vegas, attacked Judge Mary Kay Holthus in the courtroom after being sentenced to jail instead of receiving parole. Redden, who has a history of violence, leaped over the stand and tackled the judge, causing injuries to her and two other court officials. He later claimed he was trying to kill the judge and blamed his actions on having a "bad day." Redden faces six new felony charges and seven misdemeanors for the attack and refused to appear in court for these new charges. Judge Holthus received medical attention but was later released, and the courthouse incident is being described as a rare and alarming breach of security.
In Las Vegas, Judge Mary Kay Holthus returned to work just a day after being attacked in her courtroom by a defendant, Deobra Redden, who leaped over the bench during his sentencing for a felony battery case. The attack resulted in injuries to the judge and a courtroom marshal, with the latter hospitalized. The defendant now faces additional charges, including battery on a protected person, and his rescheduled sentencing is set for Monday. The incident has highlighted courtroom security concerns and the bravery of those who intervened during the attack.
Deobra Redden, a 30-year-old felon, attacked Judge Mary Kay Holthus in a Las Vegas courtroom during his sentencing for an attempted battery charge. The assault occurred after Redden leaped over the bench, pushing the judge against the wall, which led to a brawl with court officials, resulting in injuries to the judge and a marshal who required stitches. Redden now faces additional felony charges for the attack. The court praised the response of staff and law enforcement and is reviewing security protocols to ensure safety.
In Las Vegas, a defendant, Deobra Delone Redden, attacked Nevada District Judge Mary Kay Holthus during his sentencing for a felony battery case. The incident, which resulted in injuries to the judge and a courtroom marshal, was captured on courtroom video. Redden, who was not in custody prior to the hearing, now faces additional felony charges including battery on a protected person. The court is reviewing security protocols following the attack. Judge Holthus, with extensive legal experience, was not hospitalized, while the marshal received treatment for his injuries.
During a sentencing hearing in Las Vegas, defendant Deobra Redden attacked Judge Mary Kay Holthus by leaping over the defense table and onto her, causing injuries to both the judge and a courtroom marshal who intervened. The marshal was hospitalized, and Redden now faces additional felony charges. The incident has prompted a review of court protocols to enhance safety. Judge Holthus, with extensive legal experience, was not hospitalized. Redden had previously pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of attempted battery and has a history of domestic battery convictions.
In Las Vegas, Deobra Redden, a three-time felon, assaulted Judge Mary Kay Holthus during his sentencing in court, resulting in an injury to a marshal. The attack was captured on video and occurred after the judge suggested a harsher sentence than probation. Redden, who has a history of violent behavior, now faces new charges including battery on a protected person. Judge Holthus was elected to the bench in 2018 and was not seriously injured in the incident. The Clark County District Attorney praised the efforts of those who intervened during the attack.
Tom Girardi, the former attorney accused of stealing over $15 million from clients, has been declared competent to stand trial by a federal judge in Los Angeles. This decision allows for Girardi, who faces wire-fraud charges with the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence, to be held accountable despite his dementia diagnosis. The ruling is significant for the victims of his alleged long-running Ponzi scheme, including those injured in the San Bruno pipeline explosion. Girardi's legal team had argued his profound memory problems rendered him unable to understand the charges or assist in his defense, but prosecutors accused him of exaggerating his symptoms to avoid trial. The full details of the judge's analysis will be revealed once the ruling is unsealed.
