News Summary
Las Vegas is preparing for the debut of ‘Urban Death,’ a cult horror show celebrating 20 years of Zombie Joe’s Underground. Directed by Jana Wimer, the production features rapid-fire vignettes blending psychological terror and humor. Rated R, this unique theatrical experience will captivate horror enthusiasts while raising concerns about inmate safety due to a recent lawsuit against the Nevada Department of Corrections following a tragic incident at High Desert State Prison.
Las Vegas is preparing to welcome the cult horror show “Urban Death,” which is set to make its debut on October 4, 2025. This production celebrates 20 years of Zombie Joe’s Underground’s “Urban Death.” Twisting together original works from the “Urban Death” canon along with new pieces focused on life in Las Vegas, it promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for horror enthusiasts.
Directed by Jana Wimer, who brings two decades of experience to the table, “Urban Death Vegas” features a series of rapid-fire, wordless vignettes that blend psychological terror, grotesque beauty, and edgy humor. Accompanied by an original soundtrack and stunning visual effects, the show is designed to appeal to both existing fans and new audiences alike. The production is rated R, meaning individuals under 17 years of age must be accompanied by an adult to attend.
The show is produced by the same talented team behind “ABANDON,” which has previously made waves by breaking box office records for the Vegas Theatre Company. Additionally, a documentary film crew will be on-site during the 2025 performances to capture behind-the-scenes moments and interviews related to the production.
Tickets for “Urban Death Vegas” can be purchased at theatre.vegas.
High Desert Prison Lawsuit
In a separate but serious development, a family has filed a lawsuit against the Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC), alleging negligence in the death of inmate Hawk Urban. This tragic event occurred at High Desert State Prison on November 7, 2024, when Urban was assaulted by another inmate while serving a sentence for battery.
The lawsuit claims that correctional officers present during the assault failed to respond to Urban’s pleas for help. Following the violent encounter, Urban suffered severe injuries and did not receive immediate medical attention, ultimately leading to his untimely death. The family’s allegations are further compounded by claims that NDOC administrators had previously denied requests to separate Urban from his cellmate, raising serious questions about the safety and care provided to inmates.
This incident occurred against the backdrop of a documented increase in inmate deaths at High Desert State Prison in 2025. NDOC’s Director has acknowledged issues resulting from confusion among staff during inmate transfers, which has been cited as a contributing factor in the failure to prevent such violent incidents. Despite this acknowledgment, Nevada’s Governor has defended the inmate transfer policy, stating that it was necessary for staffing reasons.
The ongoing crisis within the corrections system has led to several lawsuits in recent years, many of which have resulted in substantial financial settlements for the families of deceased inmates. Notably, a previous settlement related to another inmate’s wrongful death amounted to $4.6 million, highlighting the serious implications of systemic failures in inmate care and management.
Conclusion
As “Urban Death Vegas” prepares for its opening night, the juxtaposition of exciting theatrical endeavors against the backdrop of serious legal battles within the corrections system brings to light the complexities facing Las Vegas. While the horror show aims to entertain and thrill audiences, the lawsuit against NDOC underscores urgent concerns regarding inmate welfare that cannot be overlooked.
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Additional Resources
- Las Vegas Weekly: Urban Death
- News 3 LV: Urban Death Debut
- Broadway World: Urban Death Vegas Premiere
- KTNV: High Desert State Prison Lawsuit
- Review Journal: Nevada Heat Lab
- Wikipedia: Las Vegas
- Google Search: Urban Death
- Google Scholar: Corrections Negligence Inmate Lawsuit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nevada
- Google News: Las Vegas Events
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
