Five inmate deaths in less than a month raise questions about prison safety

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Five inmate deaths in less than a month are sparking mounting concerns over safety, transparency and a possible pattern of violence inside Nevada’s prisons.

The Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC) says the recent deaths at High Desert State Prison and Southern Desert Correctional Center are under investigation. Officials point to drug activity as a possible factor — but families and former inmates say the problem runs deeper.

VIDEO: Channel 13 talks to family members of a former inmate who died of asphyxia while restrained Five inmate deaths in less than a month raise questions about Nevada prison safety

In July and August alone, 11 inmates have died in Nevada prisons. At least four are being investigated as homicides .

High Desert: Jacob Herman, Jordan Cant