A Nevada man, Roderick Duke, 39, was apprehended after an Amber Alert was issued for his 10-month-old daughter, Leilani Williams. Fortunately, Leilani was found safe, and Duke was taken into custody by the North Las Vegas Police Department on March 12.
The Amber Alert had been issued a week earlier following Duke’s alarming behavior, which included threats to harm both himself and his daughter.
Timeline of Events
The incident began on March 5, around 1:40 a.m., when Leilani’s mother fled Duke’s apartment in panic. Witnesses reported seeing her and called 911 when she told them that Duke had assaulted her before taking Leilani with him. Duke reportedly also took the woman’s phone. The mother suffered abrasions and contusions, including on her neck, and told police Duke had hit her and thrown her against a wall.
After managing to use a neighbor’s phone, Leilani’s mother called Duke. The neighbor overheard Duke making a disturbing threat: “See both of them… on the news.” Further reports also indicated that Duke allegedly threatened to kill his daughter and commit suicide by cop.
Police Intervention and Amber Alert
The police got in touch with one of Duke’s friends, who intervened and encouraged Duke to return Leilani safely. The friend ordered an Uber, which brought both Duke and Leilani back to Duke’s apartment at 5:40 a.m.
At 9 a.m., the Amber Alert was issued as police had located them at the apartment. Leilani was found unharmed, and Duke was arrested at 10 a.m.
Duke’s Arrest and Court Appearance
When questioned, Duke denied hitting Leilani’s mother, stating that he does not hit women. However, he admitted to arguing with her and leaving to “cool off.” He claimed that he had taken Leilani to a friend’s house.
On March 10, Duke made his first court appearance and was charged with kidnapping, child abuse or neglect, and domestic battery. He is currently being held at the North Las Vegas Community Correctional Center. His next court date is set for March 24.
