“Safari Story”: Dateline Reports on Bianca Rudolph Homicide July 19 2025

On Saturday, July 19, 2025, Dateline NBC presents a gripping episode titled Safari Story, reported by Andrea Canning. The episode revisits a chilling murder case that began in the remote wilderness of Zambia and ended in a courtroom in Colorado. When Bianca Rudolph died from a shotgun blast during a 2016 hunting trip, her husband, Dr. Larry Rudolph—a wealthy dentist from Pennsylvania—claimed it was a tragic accident. But federal investigators would come to believe it was cold-blooded murder, driven by greed, betrayal, and a secret affair.

As Canning guides viewers through the investigation, the episode unfolds a story that spans continents and exposes shocking layers of deception. With exclusive interviews and trial details, Dateline offers a comprehensive look into how Bianca’s death, initially dismissed as a hunting mishap, would eventually become a landmark case of international murder and insurance fraud.

A Tragic End to a Safari Adventure

Bianca and Larry Rudolph were seasoned hunters, frequently traveling abroad to pursue their shared passion for big-game hunting. In October 2016, the couple ventured to Zambia’s Kafue National Park for what was meant to be another exciting excursion. But on the final day of the trip, tragedy struck. According to Larry, Bianca was fatally shot while packing her shotgun into a soft case in preparation for departure.

Zambian authorities initially accepted Larry’s version of events and allowed him to return to the United States with his wife’s remains. Within days, Bianca was cremated, and her death was officially ruled accidental. However, suspicions soon began to surface—particularly among Bianca’s close friends and the U.S. consular staff in Zambia, who found Larry’s behavior and the rapid cremation unsettling.

A Federal Investigation Unfolds

Bianca’s death might have faded from public attention were it not for the persistence of those who doubted the official story. Over time, investigators with the FBI and Department of Justice began looking into the circumstances of the death. Their efforts uncovered a disturbing financial motive: Larry had taken out life insurance policies on his wife totaling nearly $5 million.

What emerged from the investigation was a picture of a man leading a double life. Larry had maintained a long-standing extramarital relationship with Lori Milliron, an office manager at his dental practice. The prosecution would later argue that Larry killed Bianca so he could collect the insurance money and begin a new life with Milliron—free from the constraints of marriage.

The Trial That Changed Everything

Larry Rudolph was arrested in December 2021 and charged with foreign murder and mail fraud. His trial began in Denver in 2022 and lasted more than two weeks. The courtroom was filled with shocking testimony, forensic evidence, and emotional revelations. Bianca’s adult children, Julian and AnaBianca, sat through every day of proceedings, struggling to reconcile the image of the father they knew with the man on trial for murder.

Jurors heard from ballistic experts who testified that the shotgun blast could not have been self-inflicted if the gun had been inside a soft-shell case, as Larry claimed. Prosecutors presented photos from the crime scene and evidence of Larry’s financial dealings, including his immediate claims for insurance payouts after the death. Witnesses testified to his decade-long affair with Milliron and their plans for a future together.

In August 2023, the jury convicted Larry Rudolph of murdering his wife and defrauding multiple insurance companies. He was sentenced to life in federal prison, along with a concurrent 20-year sentence for fraud. He was also ordered to pay nearly $5 million in restitution, a $2 million fine, and forfeit all assets tied to the crime.

The Conviction of Lori Milliron

Lori Milliron was also charged and stood trial alongside Larry. She was convicted of being an accessory after the fact, obstruction of justice, and perjury. Prosecutors demonstrated how Milliron supported Larry’s cover-up and lied to federal investigators during the grand jury process. In 2023, she was sentenced to 17 years in prison.

The sentencing marked the end of a legal process but not the conclusion of the emotional journey for Bianca’s family. The courtroom testimonies, particularly those describing Milliron and Rudolph’s affair and lavish lifestyle, intensified the family’s grief. For Julian and AnaBianca, the experience was heartbreaking but provided long-awaited answers about their mother’s death.

A Family’s Fight for Justice and Inheritance

After the trial, a new legal battle began—this time over the financial aftermath. Julian and AnaBianca sought to recover the portion of their parents’ fortune they believe rightfully belonged to them. They accused the U.S. Department of Justice of impeding their efforts to claim assets that had been fraudulently obtained by their father.

The dispute centers on $4.8 million in seized assets, which the Justice Department argues should be returned to the defrauded insurance companies. The siblings maintain that, as innocent beneficiaries named in the policies, the funds should be awarded to them. Two federal courts have so far ruled in favor of the government, but the case continues to evolve.

A federal judge is currently reviewing new arguments based on Arizona estate law and is considering appointing a mediator to help resolve the matter. The legal complexity has become a painful and extended ordeal for the Rudolph children, who insist that the government’s pursuit of restitution should not come at their expense.

Reflections from a Son Torn Between Love and Loss

In his first public interview, Julian Rudolph described the personal toll of the case. He recalled a childhood shaped by what seemed to be a peaceful family life, and a father who was generous and charismatic. But the trial shattered those perceptions. The gruesome evidence presented in court convinced him of his father’s guilt.

Julian now says he rarely answers Larry’s calls from prison. He is focused on honoring his mother’s legacy and moving forward with his own life. The legal fight, he insists, is not about money—but about principle, justice, and closure for a family torn apart by betrayal.

Despite setbacks, Julian remains determined. “I owe it to my mother,” he told ABC News. “I want to move on with my life… but we have to get through this last step.”

A Case That Crossed Borders and Broke Illusions

The story of Larry and Bianca Rudolph is one of tragedy, manipulation, and perseverance. What began as a hunting trip in the African bush exposed deep layers of deceit and ultimately led to a landmark federal murder conviction. The case tested the limits of jurisdiction, trust, and family loyalty.

Dateline NBC’s Safari Story offers a sobering look into a case where justice came only after years of investigation and heartbreak. It highlights how those closest to the victim—her children—have continued to seek truth and fairness long after the gavel fell in court. Through its reporting, the episode ensures Bianca Rudolph’s story is not forgotten.