What is the episode about?
The Prince, the Whiz Kid and the Millionaire from Dateline NBC charts the shocking events surrounding the murder of Cliff Lambert , a retired art dealer and well-known figure in Palm Springs social life. In November 2008, Lambert disappeared without a trace from his home, triggering one of the longest and most costly missing persons investigations in California's history. Host Josh Mankiewicz guides listeners through a web of deception, where a group of con artists, led by the notorious Kaushal Nerula , devised a plan to take over Lambert's properties and liquid assets. The case is known for its unusual cast of characters, ranging from a self-proclaimed Nepalese prince to a computer expert and a lawyer.
The case behind the episode
The case of Cliff Lambert began as a suspicious disappearance but quickly evolved into a murder investigation when police uncovered extensive document forgery related to Lambert's estate. The mastermind behind the plot was Kaushal Nerula , also known as 'The Dark Prince', a man with a long history of art fraud and jewel theft. Nerula collaborated with Danny Boone, a tech-savvy individual, and attorney David Replogle to forge documents that gave them control over Lambert's assets. When Lambert discovered the irregularities, he was murdered to clear the obstacles from their path. Lambert's body was never found in the initial stages, complicating the prosecution significantly. A fourth man, Craig McCarthy, also participated in the physical assault on Lambert. The trial against the group spanned many years and involved a vacated verdict before the final sentences were handed down. Prosecutor Lisa Di Maria played a key role in uncovering the financial motive behind the crime.