Convicts ATTACKING The Judge In Court…
It was a sentencing day like any other in Clark County, Nevada, when 30-year-old Moises Reeden, a man with a long criminal history, appeared before Judge Mary K. Hus. Having already pleaded guilty to attempted battery and facing the prospect of a 1 to 4-year prison sentence, Reeden had no idea that the real shock was yet to come.
As Judge Hus laid out the details of his criminal history, which included felonies, misdemeanors, and multiple instances of domestic violence, Reeden began to get defensive. Despite his previous convictions, he tried to convince the judge that he was a changed man, now free from drugs and crime. But Judge Hus was not convinced. She responded firmly, stating that given his history, a different approach was needed.
“I think it’s time you get a taste of something else,” she said, before declaring that he needed to face the consequences of his actions.
But what happened next was beyond anyone’s expectations.
In an instant, Reeden lunged over the courtroom bench, heading straight for the judge. Chaos erupted as deputies rushed to restrain him. The courtroom was filled with alarm sounds as people scrambled for safety, and the judge, who had been punched and pulled by her hair, was immediately escorted out of the room.
The attack left one Marshall seriously injured, requiring 25 stitches and treatment for a dislocated shoulder. Reeden’s outburst didn’t stop there. He was hit with an additional 13 charges for the attack on the judge, including attempted murder, battery, and extortion by threat. His potential sentence skyrocketed as the case took on a whole new level of violence.
A Domestic Violence Court Turns Violent: Melissa Hardwick’s Outburst
The courtroom wasn’t safe in Kentucky either. During a domestic violence hearing, 33-year-old Melissa Hardwick erupted in anger when the judge began questioning her about allegations from her ex-husband. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Hardwick became belligerent, leading the judge to warn her that she could be held in contempt.
But instead of calming down, Hardwick launched herself at the judge, leaping over the bench and causing a scene. Deputies quickly intervened, restraining her before she could cause any further harm. However, her violent outburst didn’t end there. She was arrested for contempt of court and faced additional charges for the threats she made to the judge during the chaos.
For her courtroom antics, she was sentenced to 120 days in prison. However, the violence in the courtroom seemed almost mild compared to what would follow in the next few cases.
The Attack That Left A Judge In Shock: Bass Webb’s Violent Outburst
When 30-year-old Bass Webb appeared in court, the last thing anyone expected was an outburst that would shake the courtroom to its core. Webb, who was facing multiple charges including attempted murder and assault, did something that left everyone in the room stunned.
In a moment of unexpected violence, Webb deliberately spat on the judge, taking the entire courtroom by surprise. Shocked by the sudden aggression, the judge immediately removed him from the courtroom, but Webb’s defiance didn’t stop there. As he awaited trial, Webb began a riot with other inmates inside the detention center. His actions escalated further as he attempted to strike a corrections officer with a metal box, resulting in even more charges being filed against him.
Webb, who was already facing a long prison sentence for his earlier crimes, now had an additional 52 years added to his sentence for his courtroom attack. The incident shocked the public and led many to question the level of violence some defendants are willing to unleash during their trials.
But this was only one of many shocking incidents in courtrooms around the country.
A Violent Elbow: Joseph Zeer’s Attempt to Attack His Own Lawyer
Joseph Zeer, facing a double murder charge, had already been a suspect in a grisly 1990s murder case that went cold for over two decades. When DNA evidence linked him to the crime scene, he was arrested and brought to court to face charges for the brutal murders of 11-year-old Robin Cornell and her babysitter, Lisa Story. But during his trial, Zeer did something that stunned the entire courtroom: he elbowed his own lawyer in a sudden, unexpected attack.
His lawyer, who was trying to guide him through the proceedings, was taken by surprise as Zeer delivered a swift blow to his chest. Fortunately, security quickly subdued Zeer, and the trial continued. Despite his erratic behavior, the jury found him guilty of both murders. He was sentenced to life in prison, but his violent outbursts didn’t end there.
Zeer’s disturbing actions only served to highlight the increasingly volatile behavior of convicts in court, leading to heightened security measures in the courtroom.
Christopher Teal: Punching His Lawyer in Court
In Washington, Christopher Teal, a homeless man facing sexual assault charges, seemed to have little regard for the proceedings. After being arrested for assaulting a woman in a Volkswagen dealership restroom, Teal was brought to court for a competency hearing. But instead of answering questions, Teal stood up, approached his lawyer, and punched him without warning.
The courtroom was thrown into chaos, with officers quickly restraining Teal and placing a spit hood over his head. His violent behavior didn’t stop there, as Teal continued to make threats and act erratically. He was eventually sentenced to 8 and a half years in prison for his crime, but his outburst in the courtroom further demonstrated the increasingly dangerous behavior exhibited by some defendants.
Sydney Nome: Wrestling with the Judge
Pike County Justice Court in Mississippi saw one of the most bizarre courtroom incidents when Sydney Nome, facing domestic violence charges, went completely berserk. Nome, who had been disruptive during the proceedings, suddenly lost control and grabbed a stack of papers, throwing them at Judge Aubury Ryes.
As officers tried to restrain him, Nome overpowered them and threw a telephone at the judge. It took all the deputies in the room to finally bring him under control. Nome’s actions added charges of contempt of court to his case, and he was sentenced to 48 hours in prison. His aggression in the courtroom was a stark reminder of the volatility that some defendants bring to court.
The Deadly Headbutt: Daniel Stewart Barry’s Violent Outburst
Daniel Stewart Barry, facing robbery charges in Mississippi, had already shown a disregard for the law. After robbing a store and assaulting a female clerk, he was arrested and brought to court. But when he appeared for his hearing, Barry did something that shocked everyone in the room: he headbutted a police officer, breaking the officer’s nose.
Barry’s violent attack wasn’t the end of his defiance. While awaiting trial, he also assaulted a jail worker. Barry’s behavior only worsened, and he faced additional charges of assaulting law enforcement officers. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his actions.
Conclusion: Courtrooms Becoming Battlegrounds
The shocking actions of convicts in courtrooms across the country raise serious questions about the mental state of defendants and the safety of those in the courtroom. From violent outbursts to attacks on judges, lawyers, and officers, these incidents highlight the extreme measures some individuals will take to express their anger and frustration.
As security in courtrooms becomes more stringent, these cases remind us of the dangers that can arise when defendants decide to act out. It’s clear that courtrooms, once seen as places for justice and order, have increasingly become battlegrounds for those who feel the weight of their crimes and the looming consequences. As these shocking cases unfold, we are left to wonder: how far will some go to avoid their fate?
Stay tuned as we continue to bring you updates on the most shocking courtroom incidents across the country.
