Lori Milliron, a 65-year-old woman formerly from Paradise Valley, Arizona, has been sentenced to 17 years in federal prison for her involvement as an accessory in the murder of Bianca Rudolph during a Zambia safari in 2016. Milliron, who was also convicted of perjury and obstruction, attempted to help Lawrence Rudolph, her long-time lover, evade prosecution for the crime. Rudolph had shot his wife in the heart with a shotgun, intending to make the murder appear accidental. After returning to the United States, Rudolph filed false claims on multiple life insurance policies to collect nearly $5 million. The court granted an upward variance from the recommended sentencing, taking into account the heinous nature of the murder and Milliron’s lack of remorse.
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Accessory Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for Zambia Safari Murder
Background
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado recently announced that Lori Milliron, a former resident of Paradise Valley, Arizona, has been sentenced to 17 years in federal prison for her involvement as an accessory in the murder of Bianca Rudolph during a hunting trip in Zambia. Milliron, who had been convicted of being an accessory after the fact to murder, obstruction, and perjury, played a significant role in assisting Lawrence Rudolph, who was found guilty of the murder. This article will delve into the details of the case, including the conviction and sentencing of Lori Milliron, the evidence against Lawrence Rudolph, the financial motives behind the murder, and the court’s decision to impose an upward variance in Milliron’s sentence.
Conviction and Sentencing
Lori Milliron was convicted of being an accessory after the fact to murder, obstruction, and perjury after a trial last summer. The jury acquitted her of three other perjury charges. The evidence presented during the trial proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Lawrence Rudolph, Milliron’s accomplice, murdered his wife Bianca while on a hunting trip in Zambia. Rudolph had meticulously planned the murder, using a shotgun enclosed in a soft-shell case to make it look like an accident.
In addition to her role as an accessory, Milliron was also found guilty of obstruction and perjury for her attempts to assist Rudolph in avoiding prosecution. She provided false and misleading information during her grand jury appearance, including lying about her relationship with Rudolph and the purpose of cash payments he had made to her prior to Bianca’s death. However, it was later revealed that Milliron was Rudolph’s long-time mistress and had received cash payments from him. She also lied about Rudolph’s confession to her, claiming that he believed he was innocent of any wrongdoing. In reality, Rudolph had confided in Milliron that he had killed his wife for her.
Given the severity of the crimes committed and Milliron’s lack of remorse, the court imposed an upward variance in her sentence. This decision was based on factors such as the nature of the murder, the evidence indicating that Milliron aided and abetted its execution, and her torment of the victim’s family. In addition to a 204-month prison sentence, Milliron was also fined the maximum amount of $250,000.
Details of the Murder
Lawrence Rudolph’s murder of his wife Bianca during a hunting trip in Zambia shocked the nation. On October 11, 2016, Rudolph shot his wife through the heart using a 12-gauge shotgun that was concealed in a soft-shell case. His intention was to make the murder appear to be an accident. The murder took place on the last day of their scheduled hunt, leaving investigators initially puzzled about the cause of Bianca’s death.
Financial Motive and Insurance Claims
One of the key factors in the case was the financial motive behind the murder. Upon returning to the United States, Lawrence Rudolph filed false and fraudulent claims on nine separate life insurance policies, issued by seven different companies, in an attempt to obtain a substantial amount of money. In total, Rudolph managed to obtain $4,877,744.93 through these fraudulent claims. This evidence played a significant role in establishing Rudolph’s guilt and implicating Milliron as an accessory.
Lori Milliron’s Role and Lies
Lori Milliron played a crucial role in assisting Lawrence Rudolph before and after the murder of Bianca. As his long-time mistress, Milliron received cash payments from Rudolph, which were falsely attributed to his generosity. During her grand jury appearance, Milliron lied about her relationship with Rudolph and the purpose of these cash payments. She falsely claimed to have no knowledge of Rudolph’s motives, providing a cover for their illicit relationship.
Furthermore, Milliron obstructed the investigation by providing false information and lies to the grand jury. When asked about Rudolph’s reaction to the FBI investigation, she testified that he was irritated and believed he was innocent. However, the truth was far more damning, as Milliron revealed that Rudolph had confessed to her his role in the murder, saying, “I killed my (expletive) wife for you.” These lies and obstructions not only hindered the investigation but also protected Rudolph in his attempts to avoid prosecution.
Court’s Decision
The court’s decision to impose an upward variance in Lori Milliron’s sentence was a significant moment in the case. The court took into account several factors while determining the sentence, including the nature of the murder, evidence indicating Milliron’s involvement in aiding and abetting the crime, and her lack of remorse. The court also considered the impact of Milliron’s actions on the victim’s family, further justifying the need for a harsh sentence.
In addition to a prison sentence of 17 years, the court also imposed the maximum fine of $250,000 on Milliron. This decision sends a strong message about the seriousness of the crimes committed and ensures that justice is served.
United States Attorney’s Statement
United States Attorney Cole Finegan expressed satisfaction with the sentencing of Lori Milliron, emphasizing that justice has been served. Finegan thanked the FBI and the prosecutors and professional staff who worked tirelessly to ensure that Milliron would be held accountable for her role in the murder. This statement reflects the commitment of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado to uphold justice and protect the rights of victims.
Co-defendant Lawrence Rudolph
While Lori Milliron has been sentenced for her role as an accessory in the murder of Bianca Rudolph, the sentencing for co-defendant Lawrence Rudolph was recently vacated. The court will reset the sentencing at an appropriate time after consultation with the parties involved. This development suggests that Rudolph’s case is still ongoing and further legal proceedings will ensue.
Conclusion
The case of Lori Milliron’s involvement as an accessory in the murder of Bianca Rudolph has reached a critical point with her sentencing. The court’s decision to impose a 17-year prison sentence and a significant fine reflects the severity of the crimes committed and Milliron’s lack of remorse. The details of the murder, financial motives, and Milliron’s lies and obstruction have unfolded during the course of the investigation and trial, painting a chilling picture of the events that transpired.
United States Attorney Cole Finegan’s statement underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring justice for the victim and their family. While the co-defendant’s case remains unresolved, the sentencing of Lori Milliron represents a significant step towards closure for those affected by this tragic crime.
For more information on this case and updates on the legal proceedings, please refer to the official website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado. Contact information for the office can also be found on their website for any further inquiries.