ELY, Nev – Nevada prosecutors have charged 20 people in connection with a violent prison brawl at Ely State Prison last year that resulted in the deaths of three inmates and left others injured.
The Nevada Attorney General’s Office confirmed on Tuesday that the final arrest in the investigation was made on March 5.
Inmate Deaths and Charges
The July 30, 2024 fight at the maximum-security facility claimed the lives of:
- Anthony Williams, 41
- Connor Brown, 22
- Zacharia Luz, 42
Authorities have stated that no correctional officers were injured in the incident. The charges against those involved include:
- First-degree murder
- Attempted murder with use of a deadly weapon
- Intent to promote or assist a criminal gang
It remains unclear how many of the 20 defendants face these specific charges.
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Ely State Prison: A High-Security Facility
Ely State Prison is one of six prisons in Nevada. The facility:
- Houses almost 1,200 inmates
- Holds Nevada’s death row for convicted killers
- Contains a lethal injection chamber that has never been used
Nevada has not carried out an execution since 2006, despite the presence of a death chamber.
Prison Conditions Under Scrutiny
The state’s prison conditions have drawn heavy criticism from advocates, particularly regarding extreme temperatures during hot summers and cold winters.
In December 2022, several inmates at Ely State Prison staged a hunger strike, protesting unsafe conditions and inadequate food portions.
Advocates and family members have raised ongoing concerns about the treatment of inmates in Nevada’s prison system.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the deadly brawl continues, with prosecutors working to determine the full extent of each defendant’s involvement.
