Episode 78 - Liana and Erik Duke
On 10 August 1996 22 year old Liana Duke and her 5 year old son Erik died in an apparent accidental fall off a cliff near Green River in Wyoming. Their deaths were ruled accidental and husband and father Robert Bob Duke walked away not only a widower but also the beneficiary of his wife’s life insurance.
For two years, that’s where the story ended.
Until Bob’s childhood friend, Roger Brauburger, finally cracked. He told police that Bob had asked him to kill Liana and Erik back in 1996 — and now was pressuring him to murder Bob’s own parents too.
That confession blew the case wide open. Bob was arrested, tried, and convicted — not just for plotting against his parents, but for the murders of his wife and child. He remains in prison to this day.
This is the story of Liana and Erik Duke.
Information and support
· Samaritans UK Contact Us | Samaritans
· Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) Home - AAFDA
· Women’s Aid Home - Women's Aid
· National Domestic Abuse Helpline UK 0808 2000 247
· Mental health support USA Mental Health America | Homepage | Mental Health America
· Domestic abuse helpline USA 1.800.799.SAFE Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline
References
Robert Duke (BONUS) - Going West: True Crime - Apple Podcasts
Tale of Lost Dog Trail Ends in a Courtroom - Los Angeles Times
Liana Mae Davidson Duke (1974-1996) - Find a Grave Memorial
Liana And Erik Duke Murders: How Did They Die? Who Killed Them?
Liana Mae Davidson (1974–1996)
Credits
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Killer In The Family
A true crime podcast exploring men who kill their families.
- No. of episodes: 81
- Latest episode: 2025-10-03
- True Crime News
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