Could a reality TV star, once celebrated for his charisma and lifestyle, truly be capable of a brutal act of violence? The case of Ash Armand, a former "Gigolos" cast member, presents a stark reminder that the lives we see on screen can hide dark and complex realities, with a trail of events that ended in tragedy.
The story begins in the glittering city of Las Vegas, a place synonymous with fame, fortune, and fleeting moments of glamour. Here, Akshaya Kubiak, known to many as Ash Armand, found his niche as a male escort and a performer of psytrance music. Armand, a familiar face to viewers of the Showtime reality series "Gigolos," had cultivated an image of success and allure. The show, which premiered in 2011, offered a glimpse into the lives of male escorts, following their daily routines and interactions with clients. From Season 3 in 2012 to the show's finale in 2016, Armand was a fixture, navigating the complexities of his chosen profession.
Full Name: | Akshaya Kubiak (known as Ash Armand) |
Born: | Date of Birth is not publicly available |
Known For: | Reality TV personality ("Gigolos"), Male Escort, Psytrance Performer |
Crime: | Manslaughter and Mayhem |
Victim: | Herleen Dulai |
Location of Crime: | Las Vegas, Nevada |
Arrested: | July 2020 |
Sentence: | Prison Sentence not specified in provided context |
Show: | Gigolos (Showtime) |
Years on the show: | 2012-2016 |
Reference: | Google Search |
The narrative takes a tragic turn in July 2020. It was during the summer of 2020 when the name "Ash Armand" started trending for all the wrong reasons. It was in that time that the once-familiar face was charged with a shocking crime: the murder of Herleen Dulai, a fitness trainer and gym owner. Dulai, who had relocated to Las Vegas, had found success as a fitness instructor, earning the moniker "40 Water." Her journey, marked by overcoming adversity, including a battle with brain cancer and subsequent chemotherapy, added a layer of poignancy to the tragedy that was to come.
The details of the crime, as they emerged, painted a grim picture. Dulai was found brutally murdered in Armand's Las Vegas residence. The circumstances surrounding her death and Armand's subsequent arrest sent shockwaves through the community and the entertainment world. In the wake of the tragedy, suspicion immediately fell on Armand. Police reports indicated that Armand was under the influence of narcotics at the time of the incident, and he claimed to have no memory of the events leading to Dulai's death. The investigation that followed would probe the depths of their relationship and the events that led to Dulais violent demise.
The case gained further attention through various media channels. Paramount+ delved into the complexities of the case with "Sin City Gigolo: A Murder in Las Vegas," a documentary that promised to explore the investigation in detail. The story was also featured on ID's "Deadly Influence: Social Media Murders," which is now streaming on Max, and in the headlines of news outlets.
The show, "Gigolos," which had initially captivated audiences with its portrayal of male escorts navigating the social landscape, found itself entangled in a disturbing reality. Nick Hawk, a former colleague of Armand from "Gigolos," spoke out about the arrest. The interviews with his family and former colleagues, such as Nick Hawk, Bradley Lords, and Brace Land, revealed the impact of the tragedy.
The investigation brought forth the tragic realities that lay beneath the surface of a life lived in the spotlight. Tia Evans, a young woman who was dating Armand at the time, also became involved in the case as the investigation progressed. Citing Kubiak's testimony at his 2021 sentencing hearing, the paper shared the events.
In the courtroom, Armand pleaded guilty to manslaughter and mayhem, bringing an end to the trial but not the questions surrounding this tragic event. In the coming months, he was convicted and sentenced for the crime, while several of his loved ones and acquaintances had different perspectives and feelings about the incident.
Herleen's time in Las Vegas, as a fitness instructor with the nickname 40 water, was marked by a dedication to health and wellness, but it was also a period where she came into contact with Armand. The circumstances of their relationship and the events leading up to the murder remain central to the story.
The case continues to serve as a cautionary tale, revealing the dark side that can lurk beneath the polished veneer of fame and fortune. "Ash Armand" and his story serve as a chilling reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of violence.