Roderick Duke, 39, was arrested in North Las Vegas after an Amber Alert for his 10-month-old daughter Leilani Williams. Police say he threatened to kill the child and himself during an emotional crisis. Leilani was found safe hours later.
On March 5 around 1:40 a.m., Leilani Williams's mother fled Duke's apartment in panic after he allegedly assaulted her, hitting her and throwing her against the wall, leaving abrasions and contusions on her neck. Duke took the child and her phone. Witnesses called 911 after hearing her account of domestic violence and kidnapping fears. A neighbor lent a phone; Duke then told the mother over the call that if she contacted police, he would 'see both of them… on the news.' Reports indicate he threatened to kill his 10-month-old and commit 'suicide by cop.' A friend reached Duke, convinced him it 'wasn't right,' and arranged an Uber. Father and daughter returned to the apartment by 5:40 a.m. An Amber Alert issued around 9 a.m. led police to the location. Leilani was unharmed by 10 a.m.; Duke was arrested March 12. In interview, Duke denied striking the mother, saying 'he does not hit women,' admitted an argument, and claimed he took Leilani to a friend's to cool off. He appeared in court March 10, charged with kidnapping, child abuse or neglect, and domestic battery. He remains at North Las Vegas Community Correctional Center, with a next hearing on March 24.