EPISODE · May 4, 2026 · 28 MIN
Is Clark County's Death Penalty Just a Bluff?
from City Cast Las Vegas · host City Cast
Last month, Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson sought death warrants for three convicted murderers – once again thrusting a spotlight on capital punishment in a state that hasn’t executed a death row inmate in 20 years. Despite the lack of executions, a Las Vegas Review-Journal investigation found prosecutors pursued the death penalty at least 220 times over that span. It raises the question: If no one is being executed, why pursue the death penalty so often? Host Jesse Merrick is joined by Review-Journal Reporters Katelyn Newberg and Noble Brigham, as well as public defender and former City Cast Las Vegas host Dayvid Figler, to find out. Read Katelyn and Noble’s original investigation here. Read more on the Zane Floyd case here. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
What this episode covers
Last month, Clark County District Attorney Steve Wolfson sought death warrants for three convicted murderers – once again thrusting a spotlight on capital punishment in a state that hasn’t executed a death row inmate in 20 years. Despite the lack of executions, a Las Vegas Review-Journal investigation found prosecutors pursued the death penalty at least 220 times over that span. It raises the question: If no one is being executed, why pursue the death penalty so often? Host Jesse Merrick is joined by Review-Journal Reporters Katelyn Newberg and Noble Brigham, as well as public defender and former City Cast Las Vegas host Dayvid Figler, to find out. Read Katelyn and Noble’s original investigation here. Read more on the Zane Floyd case here. Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719. For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas. Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
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Is Clark County's Death Penalty Just a Bluff?
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