Dateline NBC Talking Dateline: The Prince, The Whiz Kid, & The Millionaire
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Oct 15, 2025 Lester Holt chats with Josh Mankiewicz, a Dateline correspondent known for his engaging narrative style. They dive into the chilling disappearance of Cliff Lambert and the ensuing murder case involving a group of grifters. Discover the personal vulnerabilities that made Lambert a target, and hear about the unique strategies used by investigators. Producer David Ketterling shares insights on capturing the essence of Palm Springs on film, while they also explore the perplexing dynamics of interviews conducted in cars. A must-listen for true crime aficionados!
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A Lengthy Investigation And Multiple Trials
- The investigation into Cliff Lambert's disappearance spanned years and several trials before resolution.
- Josh Mankiewicz emphasizes the case's prolonged timeline due to COVID and retrials which extended reporting time.
Loneliness Made Him Vulnerable
- Cliff Lambert was socially isolated after losing friends to AIDS and became vulnerable to grifters.
- Josh says loneliness made him an easier target for cons who assumed no one would notice his disappearance quickly.
Neighbors And A Friend Raised The Alarm
- Neighbors noticed a U-Haul and a real estate agent flagged a suspicious low-priced sale which prompted police interest.
- Eddie, Cliff's close friend, also raised alarms after Cliff missed a festival, driving the investigation forward.