From Reality TV to Prison: The Tragic Case of Ash Armand and Herleen Dulai

The world of reality television often blurs the lines between entertainment and reality, but sometimes, those lines shatter with devastating consequences. Such is the case of Akshaya "Ash" Kubiak, known as Ash Armand on Showtime’s reality show "Gigolos," and the tragic death of Herleen Dulai. The case, now explored in the Paramount+ documentary "Sin City Gigolo: A Murder In Las Vegas," unveils a dark side of the glittering Las Vegas strip and the troubled life of a man who once profited from showcasing his life as a male escort.

From 2011 to 2016, "Gigolos" captivated audiences by offering a glimpse into the lives of five male escorts in Las Vegas. The show, while popular, was not without controversy, as it navigated the legal complexities of prostitution in Nevada, the only state in the US where it’s permitted, albeit only within licensed establishments. Kubiak joined the show in its third season, presenting himself as a "sex and fitness educator," a persona carefully crafted and displayed on his Instagram account. He appeared to be living a glamorous life, showcasing his physique and touting his expertise in the realm of intimacy.

However, the facade crumbled four years after the show’s conclusion. In July 2020, Kubiak was arrested and charged with the brutal murder of 29-year-old Herleen Dulai. The details of the crime, revealed in court documents, paint a disturbing picture of a drug-fueled frenzy that ended in unimaginable violence.

According to prosecutors, Kubiak and Dulai ingested psychedelic mushrooms on July 16, 2020. What followed was a horrific assault that left Dulai with fatal injuries. Kubiak allegedly beat her to death, inflicting blunt force trauma to her head and neck, as well as injuries indicative of strangulation. After the gruesome act, Kubiak reportedly called 911, claiming that Dulai was suffering from cardiac arrest.

When law enforcement arrived at the scene, they discovered Dulai’s lifeless body bearing the unmistakable marks of a violent attack. Further investigation revealed evidence of an attempted cover-up, including blood inside the home’s washing machine and diluted blood in the bathroom, suggesting an effort to clean up the crime scene. Initially, Kubiak claimed that Dulai had attacked him first, but he later admitted to the assault during questioning.

The investigation uncovered a stark contrast between the polished persona Kubiak presented on television and the reality of his actions. The details of the crime shook the entertainment world and cast a shadow over the already controversial "Gigolos" series.

In September 2021, Kubiak pleaded guilty to felony counts of voluntary manslaughter and mayhem, acknowledging his role in Dulai’s death. He was subsequently sentenced to eight to 20 years in prison, a punishment that reflects the severity of his crime.

The Paramount+ documentary, "Sin City Gigolo: A Murder In Las Vegas," attempts to delve into the life of Kubiak and the circumstances that may have led to the tragic events. The three-part series features interviews with Kubiak’s family, friends, and former cast members, offering a multifaceted perspective on his life. However, the documentary lacks the direct voice of Kubiak himself.

Director Barbara Shearer expressed her desire to interview Kubiak for the documentary, emphasizing the importance of including his perspective. Despite multiple attempts, Kubiak did not participate in the documentary, leaving a significant void in the narrative. The documentary does include phone calls to give insight into his thoughts and feelings, and draws on his presence in the original Showtime series.

While "Gigolos" may have offered entertainment, it also sparked debate about the legality and ethics of the practices depicted on the show. Nevada’s unique stance on prostitution, allowing it only within licensed establishments, raised questions about the show’s depiction of activities that might fall outside the bounds of the law.

The tragic death of Herleen Dulai serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked behavior and the dangers of drug use. Dulai, a Northern California native and graduate of Temple University, was remembered as someone who "touched every soul she came into contact with and left a sparkle." She had worked as a personal trainer in Las Vegas and was described as someone who enjoyed working with children and was "fulfilling her life’s purpose of making a difference." Her obituary paints a picture of a vibrant and compassionate young woman whose life was tragically cut short.

The case of Ash Kubiak and Herleen Dulai is a complex and tragic story that transcends the realm of reality television. It highlights the potential dangers of a life lived in the spotlight, the consequences of drug use, and the devastating impact of violence on individuals and communities. It serves as a reminder that behind the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, there can be darkness and tragedy. The documentary "Sin City Gigolo: A Murder In Las Vegas" offers a glimpse into this darkness, leaving viewers to grapple with the complexities of the case and the human cost of a life gone astray.