The Nevada Department of Corrections announced the deaths of two inmates at High Desert State Prison this week, intensifying scrutiny over the state’s maximum-security facility. One of the deceased, 52-year-old Marlo Thomas, was a convicted double murderer sentenced to death in 1997 for killing two Las Vegas steakhouse employees during a robbery. The other, 43-year-old Michael Dorotiak, was serving a sentence for coercion. Both died under undisclosed circumstances.

The Clark County Coroner’s Office and state officials have yet to determine the causes of death for either inmate. Their deaths follow another fatality earlier this month: Brandon Hanson, who was stabbed to death on January 5, marking the third reported death at High Desert in just January alone.

This wave of deaths comes just months after High Desert replaced Ely State Prison as Nevada’s highest-security facility. The move was part of a broader effort to mitigate gang violence and enhance safety, following an uptick in incidents at Ely. However, since the transfer of over 2,000 inmates last year, six deaths have been reported at High Desert, raising concerns about the safety and management of the facility.

Officials also referenced a stabbing death last November, where 27-year-old inmate Hawk Urban was killed during an altercation with his cellmate.

The Nevada Department of Corrections has not yet commented on the recent deaths or provided updates on steps being taken to improve conditions at High Desert. As families of the deceased await answers, these incidents shine a light on the ongoing challenges of balancing safety, rehabilitation, and oversight in Nevada’s prison system.

Source: Review Journal

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