“The Last Hunt”: ’20/20′ Reports on Bianca Rudolph Homicide July 12 2024
ABC’s “20/20” will air a gripping episode titled “The Last Hunt” on Friday, July 12, 2024, from 9:01 to 11:00 p.m. EDT. This special investigation dives deep into the mysterious death of Bianca Rudolph during an African safari in Zambia in 2016. Dr. Larry Rudolph and Bianca, both passionate big game hunters, had embarked on a hunting trip that turned tragic when Bianca was fatally shot. Initially ruled an accidental death by local authorities, subsequent developments raised suspicions, leading to an exhaustive investigation covered in this episode.
The program delves into the intricate details of the case, featuring interviews that shed light on the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings. Viewers will hear from key figures such as Brian Lovelace, who claims to have overheard a confession, and Julian Rudolph, who shares his conflicted feelings about his father’s potential involvement. Chief national correspondent Matt Gutman travels to Zambia to gather firsthand accounts from those present during the tragic incident, adding depth and perspective to the narrative.
Contents
The Incident: A Fatal Safari
In September 2016, Larry and Bianca Rudolph traveled to Zambia for a hunting expedition, aiming to hunt a leopard in Kafue National Park. The couple, both skilled big game hunters, were experienced and well-prepared for such trips. However, on October 11, 2016, their adventure took a tragic turn. Bianca was found dead from a shotgun wound to the chest, and Larry claimed to have heard the gunshot while he was taking a shower. He discovered Bianca bleeding on the bedroom floor, allegedly the victim of an accidental discharge as she packed the gun.
Larry suggested that the shotgun, left loaded from the previous day’s hunt, had gone off accidentally while Bianca was handling it. Zambian authorities, after a preliminary investigation, accepted this explanation and ruled the death as accidental. However, the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the exact positioning of Bianca’s body and the gun, led to growing suspicions. These initial doubts set the stage for a more thorough investigation by U.S. authorities.
Emerging Suspicions and Investigations
Despite the initial ruling of an accidental death, friends and family of Bianca began to question the official narrative. Concerns arose when it was revealed that Bianca had been cremated, an act seemingly contrary to her Catholic faith and known wishes. This raised red flags for those close to her, prompting them to voice their suspicions to the authorities. An inspection by a U.S. Embassy official, with extensive weapons experience, further highlighted inconsistencies with the reported accident, leading to deeper scrutiny.
Friends of Bianca informed the FBI about Larry’s extramarital affair and instances of verbal abuse, which added another layer to the suspicions. Larry’s relationship with Lori Milliron, his office manager and mistress of over a decade, became a focal point in the investigation. The narrative of a tragic accident started to unravel as financial motives and personal relationships came under the spotlight, compelling the authorities to take a closer look at the circumstances surrounding Bianca’s death.
Testimonies and Revelations
“The Last Hunt” features compelling interviews with individuals closely connected to the case, providing crucial insights and testimonies. Brian Lovelace, a former bartender, recounts a chilling moment when he overheard Larry Rudolph confessing to the murder of his wife in a crowded steakhouse. According to Lovelace, Larry admitted to killing Bianca to be with his mistress, Lori Milliron, a claim that significantly bolstered the prosecution’s case.
Julian Rudolph, the son of Larry and Bianca, offers a poignant perspective on his family’s ordeal. Initially convinced of his father’s innocence, Julian’s views shifted dramatically during the trial as he confronted the overwhelming evidence presented. His journey from support to disillusionment underscores the emotional complexity and personal impact of the case. These testimonies, combined with expert analysis, paint a detailed picture of the events and motivations behind Bianca’s tragic death.
Legal Proceedings and Outcomes
In December 2021, Larry Rudolph was arrested and charged with the murder of his wife and mail fraud for collecting $4.8 million in life insurance. The trial, held in U.S. District Court in Denver, presented a comprehensive case against Larry. Prosecutors highlighted his decade-long affair with Lori Milliron and his financial motivations, arguing that Bianca’s death was not an accident but a calculated murder. Despite Larry’s defense claiming the shooting was accidental, the jury was not convinced.
The trial concluded with Larry Rudolph being found guilty of both charges. He was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Bianca and an additional 20 years for mail fraud, with the sentences to run concurrently. Lori Milliron, found guilty of being an accessory to murder and committing perjury, received a 17-year prison sentence. The verdict brought some closure to the case but also left lingering questions about the true nature of the relationships and events that led to Bianca’s death.
The Trial’s Impact on the Family
The trial’s outcome had a profound impact on the Rudolph family, particularly on Julian and his sister AnaBianca. Initially, both siblings stood by their father, convinced of his innocence. They even provided sworn affidavits in his defense. However, the evidence presented during the trial, including witness testimonies and forensic analysis, shattered their trust. Julian, in particular, faced an emotional reckoning as he grappled with the reality of his father’s actions.
The siblings’ ordeal did not end with the trial. They found themselves embroiled in a legal battle over the confiscated assets and insurance proceeds. The U.S. government’s seizure of Larry’s assets, intended to reimburse the defrauded insurance companies, left Julian and AnaBianca fighting for their rightful inheritance. This ongoing legal struggle added to their grief and highlighted the far-reaching consequences of the tragic events in Zambia.
Conclusion
“The Last Hunt” offers a comprehensive exploration of Bianca Rudolph’s death and the subsequent legal battles. Through detailed interviews and investigative reporting, “20/20” uncovers the layers of deception and the fight for justice. The episode not only chronicles the events but also delves into the emotional and legal aftermath faced by the Rudolph family. This case, marked by intrigue and tragedy, serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and consequences of crime, providing viewers with a thorough understanding of the multifaceted investigation and its impact on those involved.
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