Ash Armand: The Gigolo Who Killed Herleen Dulai

Harry Braun 25 May 2025

Can a reality TV persona truly detach from the character they portray? The brutal murder of Herleen Dulai in the summer of 2020 suggests a chilling inability to separate fantasy from reality. The spotlight of fame, it seems, can sometimes cast the darkest of shadows.

Akshaya Kubiak, known to the world as Ash Armand, the former star of the reality show "Gigolos," stood at the center of this tragedy. The Las Vegas residence that once showcased his lavish lifestyle became a crime scene, the backdrop to a violent end. The life of Herleen Dulai, a vibrant 29-year-old fitness trainer, was tragically cut short on July 16th, leaving behind a devastated family and a community grappling with unanswered questions.

Name:	Akshaya Kubiak (aka Ash Armand)
Date of Birth:	Not Publicly Available
Place of Birth:	Not Publicly Available
Occupation:	Former Reality TV Personality (Gigolos), Gigolo
Known For:	Appearance on "Gigolos," Conviction of Voluntary Manslaughter
Criminal Record:	Convicted of voluntary manslaughter and mayhem in the death of Herleen Dulai. Sentenced to 8-20 years in prison.
Reference:	Oxygen True Crime Article

Kubiak, who portrayed a charming and charismatic personality on screen, painted a different picture in the aftermath of Dulais death. He claimed to have no memory of the brutal attack, offering a defense that seemed as hollow as the reality show persona he embodied. The courtroom heard testimonies of a drug-fueled encounter, where Kubiak and Dulai allegedly consumed psychedelic mushrooms together. While the exact nature of their relationship remains a point of contention with conflicting reports about whether Dulai was a client or a friend the tragic outcome is undeniable. The 911 call made by Kubiak himself, reporting a "dead woman" in his home, cemented his involvement in the horrifying events of that July night.

Herleen Kaur Dulai, whose name translates to within the love of God or absorbed in God, was more than just a victim. A biology student who later found her calling in fitness, Dulai was a vibrant presence in her community. She built a career as a trainer at A.C.E. Fitness, inspiring and motivating others with her passion for health and well-being. Her middle name, "Kaur," meaning "princess," resonated with her spirit a testament to her strength and inner grace. Born in Santa Clara, California, she represented the aspirations of a generation, dreams tragically extinguished by a senseless act of violence.

The investigation that followed Dulais death uncovered a complex narrative. The Clark County Coroner's report confirmed the cause of death as blunt force trauma and strangulation, painting a gruesome picture of the final moments of her life. Kubiak, initially charged with murder, ultimately pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and mayhem, a plea deal that spared him a potential life sentence. The sentence of 8 to 20 years, while offering a semblance of justice, did little to soothe the grief of those who knew and loved Dulai.

The case has since become the subject of true crime documentaries, including Paramount+'s "Sin City Gigolo: A Murder in Las Vegas." The documentary explores the blurred lines between Kubiak's on-screen persona and his real-life actions, delving into the psychological complexities that may have contributed to this devastating act. Interviews with law enforcement, friends and acquaintances of both Dulai and Kubiak, and former colleagues from "Gigolos," including Brace Land, paint a multi-faceted portrait of the tragedy.

The case raises disturbing questions about the influence of reality television, the allure of fabricated identities, and the potential consequences of blurring the boundaries between performance and reality. Herleen Dulai's death serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life, and the devastating consequences when the fantasy world collides with the stark realities of human behavior. The story continues to resonate, a cautionary tale etched in the annals of true crime, prompting us to examine the shadows lurking behind the bright lights of fame and the devastating impact they can have on unsuspecting lives.