What happens when a flashy dentist’s wild escapades turn fatal? Welcome to the bizarre tale of Larry Rudolph. It all began with a mysterious death on an African safari, spiraling into an international investigation that spanned years and continents. Rudolph, a charming Pittsburgh dentist with a penchant for big game hunting and even bigger secrets, found himself at the center of a whirlwind of intrigue involving his wife, Bianca, and his long-time mistress, Lori Milliron.

In a shocking turn of events, prosecutors revealed that after being forced to choose between his wife of 34 years and his mistress, one of them was found dead in his safari cabin in Zambia back in October 2016. Initially ruled an accident by local authorities, doubts began to surface in the U.S., prompting investigators to dig deeper into decades of Rudolph’s unusual behavior and questionable dealings.

The story has captivated audiences, notably through the three-part ABC News Studios series titled Trophy Wife: Murder on Safari, available on Hulu since July 21. This series promises to take viewers on a wild ride through a true crime saga where reality is more twisted than fiction.

Fast forward to 2023, and Larry Rudolph was sentenced to life in prison for murdering his wife and received an additional 20 years in federal prison for defrauding multiple insurance companies. Meanwhile, Milliron was handed 17 years for her role as an accessory to the crime, obstructing the investigation, and committing perjury.

In exclusive interviews conducted while behind bars, Rudolph and Milliron each shared their sides of this tragic tale. The series features conversations with a colorful cast of characters who paint a vivid picture of the enigmatic and larger-than-life Larry Rudolph. Family friend Betsy Wandtke described him as someone who made you feel important, stating, “But this is Larry's game. Perception is reality.”

However, those close to him knew there was a darker side. His former business partner, Dr. Tim Runco, revealed, “There was a Jekyll and Hyde there.” This sentiment was echoed by his son Julian, who remarked, “My mother brought out the best in him. And Lori Milliron brought out the worst.”

In a twist that is both bizarre and shocking, while in Zambia, a supposed crocodile attack occurred. Rudolph claimed the crocodile pulled him into the water as he reached for a fish, resulting in the loss of a digit. A surprising $30,000 per month disability insurance payout followed, raising eyebrows among those who knew him. Insurance broker Bill Gorman recalled Rudolph’s phone call detailing the incident, which sounded dubious to many.

As questions multiplied, former colleague Maryann Versmessen noted, “Yeah, we have our own theories about what happened there.” The investigation into Rudolph's claims and behavior only deepened the intrigue surrounding him. Dr. Runco speculated that the loss of Rudolph's finger was not as straightforward as claimed, adding, “I can tell you, he doesn't need all 10 fingers.”

With everything from hunting trips in Africa to dubious insurance claims, the story sets the stage for a shocking death and a tangled web of deception. As prosecutors unraveled the case, they painted a dark picture of Rudolph orchestrating elaborate schemes – including orchestrating his wife’s death – to pave the way for a life with Milliron. As family friend Wandtke put it, “It's Larry's world and we're all living in it.”