LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Roderick Duke, 39, has been apprehended by the North Las Vegas Police Department following an Amber Alert issued for his 10-month-old daughter, Leilani Williams.
The alert was triggered after Duke allegedly assaulted Leilani’s mother and took her daughter without consent. Leilani was found safe and unharmed.
Details of the Incident
The Amber Alert was issued on March 12, 2026, after Duke allegedly took Leilani during a violent altercation with her mother on March 5. According to police reports, Duke threatened to harm both himself and his daughter if Leilani’s mother contacted the authorities.
The mother, in a panic, fled Duke’s apartment and sought help from a neighbor, who then called 911. Witnesses reported that she had abrasions and contusions, including on her neck, and stated that Duke had assaulted her before taking their daughter.
Duke allegedly threatened to kill Leilani and commit suicide by cop during a phone call with the mother. A friend of Duke’s later intervened and convinced him to return Leilani to safety. The friend ordered an Uber, which brought Duke and his daughter back to his apartment by 5:40 a.m., hours before the Amber Alert was issued.
Police Response and Arrest
When police arrived at Duke’s apartment at 9 a.m., they found Leilani safe. Duke was taken into custody around 10 a.m.. During questioning, Duke denied hitting Leilani’s mother, claiming that they had argued, but he denied physically assaulting her, stating he only left to cool off.
Charges and Court Appearance
Duke faces charges of kidnapping, child abuse or neglect, and domestic battery. He appeared in court for the first time on March 10, and his next court date is scheduled for March 24. He is currently being held at the North Las Vegas Community Correctional Center.
The Amber Alert that led to Duke’s arrest was a successful effort to ensure the safe return of Leilani Williams. The quick response from police, the intervention of a friend, and the widespread distribution of the alert helped bring a positive resolution to what could have been a tragic situation.
