Dateline: The Prince, The Whiz Kid, & The Millionaire - 5 harrowing details about Clifford Lambert's murder, revisited 

Still from the show (Image via Dateline NBC)
Still from the show (Image via Dateline NBC)

Dateline is one of the leading news magazine shows that dives deep into the world of true crime. Since its creation in 1992, the show has delivered well-researched, gripping true crime stories to viewers.

Dateline also regularly brings special episodes that cover some of the most shocking cases in the country and features interviews with people connected to the story.

One such episode aired recently, on October 10, 2025, on NBC, titled The Prince, The Whiz Kid, and The Millionaire. The two-hour special premiered from 9 to 11 pm ET/PT. It explored the murder of Palm Springs retiree Clifford Lambert, whose life of luxury ended with his mysterious disappearance in 2008.

Though Lambert’s remains were discovered between 2016 and 2017, the investigation revealed a complex web of lies, fraud, and deception. Here are a few details about this case.


Dateline: Clifford Lambert’s opulent lifestyle, the details about the four suspects, and the cautions about this true crime mystery

1. Clifford Lambert's luxurious life in Palm Springs and his shocking disappearance and murder

Still from the show (Image via Dateline NBC)
Still from the show (Image via Dateline NBC)

The latest episode covers the mysterious disappearance and eventual murder of the wealthy Clifford Lambert, who lived in Palm Springs and seemingly had all the comforts in life. According to friends, his home felt like “you were in a millionaire’s home.” The socialite was known for his luxurious lifestyle but was also a warm person. However, his disappearance in 2008 sounded alarm bells, and people close to him suspected a kidnapping. Unfortunately, Lambert’s remains were found in 2016 and 2017 in northern Los Angeles County and were positively identified in 2020.


2. The convoluting investigation and the suspects behind the crime

Still from the show (Image via Dateline NBC)
Still from the show (Image via Dateline NBC)

Dateline's latest episode reveals that Clifford Lambert’s murder was far from straightforward. The investigation involved a multi-state effort and included deception, fake identities, and fraudulent financial schemes. One witness in the show remarks that the investigation became so complex that it was like “Alice in Wonderland falling into a rabbit hole.” Ultimately, the crime was carried out by four men: Kaushal Niroula, Daniel Garcia, David Repligle, and Miguel Bustamante.


3. The story behind the four main suspects

Still from the show (Image via Dateline NBC)
Still from the show (Image via Dateline NBC)

The Dateline episode focuses on the four suspects of the crime, and all four had checkered pasts marked by deception and fraud. Niroula was known as the “Dark Prince” and falsely claimed royal lineage from Nepal. Garcia and Replogle, on the other hand, were from San Francisco and were tied to various financial scams. Bustamante was from Daly City and also had a record of deceit. Soon, all four were convicted of Lambert’s murder and sentenced to life without parole.


4. Further information about the suspects and the latest developments

Still from the show (Image via Dateline NBC)
Still from the show (Image via Dateline NBC)

Craig McCarthy, a former roommate of Bustamante, testified against the four and was given a chance at parole. However, he later recanted his testimony. Bustamante filed a defamation lawsuit, keeping the case alive even after the verdict.

Further, Niroula was murdered by a cellmate in 2022. The episode features interviews with Tyson Wrensch of San Francisco, co-author of Until Someone Gets Hurt, which explores the Lambert case and his personal dealings with the con men. Garcia had previously defrauded Wrensch, who also appeared on the American Hustlers podcast, shedding light on his long struggle for justice. The podcast led to renewed interest in the murder case, and Garcia, Replogle, and Bustamante now claim innocence.


5. The moral implications behind the shocking true crime case

Still from the show (Image via Dateline NBC)
Still from the show (Image via Dateline NBC)

Lambert’s murder is both tragic and unsettling, highlighting the particular vulnerabilities faced by members of the LGBTQ+ community. The case examines the pitfalls of online scams and warns viewers to stay cautious regarding finances. Though rooted in murder for profit, the case underscores the dangers of manipulation, blind trust, and exploitation. In today’s increasingly digital age, the case once again highlights the need to stay safe online.


The show is also available for streaming on Peacock.

Edited by Ritika Pal