Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
DENVER, COLORADO: A wealthy dentist has been sentenced to life in prison and fined over $15 million on Monday, August 21, after being found guilty of murdering his wife while on a safari in Zambia in October 2016.
Larry Rudolph, 57, was also found guilty of mail fraud in 2022 as he cashed in almost $5 million in insurance claims after the death of his wife, Bianca Rudolph, as per CBS News.
His supposed girlfriend, Lori Milliron, 65, was also implicated in the case and was sentenced to 17 years in prison in June for her role in encouraging the murder.
Why did Larry Rudolph kill his wife Bianca Rudolph?
Larry Rudolph's supposed motive to kill Bianca Rudolph was to collect millions in life insurance. After her death, Larry claimed that she accidentally shot herself while packing to return home.
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Prosecutors portrayed Larry as someone who had spent his life seeking dominance and control through wealth and power. They alleged that he aimed to fund a luxurious retirement with his girlfriend using the insurance money.
On the other hand, Larry's defense team expressed belief in his innocence and announced plans to appeal the conviction.
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Despite maintaining that his wife's death was accidental, Rudolph was convicted of murder and mail fraud. "We still believe strongly in Larry's innocence. We are looking forward to vindicating him on appeal," said Rudolph's lawyers, David Oscar Markus and Margot Moss, as per the Daily Mail.
Larry Rudolph promptly cremated his wife to hide his crime
The crime occurred in a remote location in Zambia, around 80 miles (129 kilometers) from the nearest police station, allowing Larry to allegedly evade capture, as per officials. Moreover, the dentist, who claims that his wife shot herself by accident, promptly had her remains cremated.
"The murder was the culmination of a lifetime spent seeking domination and control over others through wealth and power," said the prosecutors while filing their sentencing proposal, according to CBS News.
Rudolph's arrest came almost five years after the incident, following a comprehensive FBI investigation. Testimony from witnesses, including a bartender, added weight to the prosecution's case against him.
Prosecutors pursue $25 million penalties from Larry Rudolph
Prosecutors seek a fine of over $15 million, double the amount he received from the insurance policies, along with additional financial penalties.
They aimed to have Larry pay $4.9 million in restitution to insurance companies, forfeit $4.8 million from bank accounts, surrender real estate properties in Arizona and Pennsylvania, and relinquish luxury vehicles, including an Aston Martin DB-11 and a Bentley Bentayga.
The defense lawyers contended that these penalties would exceed $25 million, a sum he allegedly cannot afford due to his diminished dental practice, mounting debts, and loss of income.
Larry's financial situation is under dispute, with prosecutors estimating his worth at $15 million, while a defense expert suggested it is now below $10 million.
On the other hand, prosecutors argued that even after satisfying penalties, Larry would still possess substantial assets. Before the trial, the dentist claimed to be worth $27 million, asserting that he didn't require the insurance money for his defense.
Meanwhile, Larry's adult children are contesting the government's request for their father to pay these penalties, asserting that they should be considered the victims of the insurance fraud.
They claim to have suffered significant financial harm and are seeking restitution. While investigations initially deemed Bianca's death an accident, insurance companies were obligated to pay due to her death.
However, the prosecution rejected the notion that Rudolph's adult children should benefit from his crime.
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