Dateline on NBC: Where are Robert Neulander’s children now?

Robert Neulander's children from his two marriages—Ari, Jenna, Brian, and Emily—have always been behind their father in his legal battle when he was accused of murdering his second wife, Leslie Neulander. Leslie died in 2012 in what seemed like an accident at their family home in New York, but a deeper investigation led to the arrest and eventual conviction of Robert.

His children stood behind him and claimed his innocence while appealing for leniency during the sentencing. Today, the siblings lead quieter lives while maintaining strong family bonds—Brian in Maryland, Emily in Colorado, and Jenna and Ari in New York—striving to preserve some sense of normalcy amid their shared tragedy.

The Neulander family's turmoil has been well-documented, including in NBC's Dateline: The House on Shalimar Way. The episode originally aired on May 20, 2022. Meanwhile, the re-airing date for The House on Shalimar Way on Dateline NBC is Friday, December 27, 2024, at 9:00 PM ET/8:00 PM CT.

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The death of Leslie Neulander and the aftermath

On September 17, 2012, in DeWitt, New York, Leslie Neulander was found dead in their family house. According to Robert Neulander, he found her with a head injury in the bathroom. Their son, Ari, was in his college dorm, having been sent to Syracuse, New York, and their daughter, Jenna, was home.

Robert told Jenna to call 911, and during the call, she could be heard telling her father, "Dad, put her down! Her neck might be broken!" The entire call proved to be the main point under investigation afterward. Following this, the jury came to the conclusion that Leslie died from homicide; Robert had staged it to look like an accident.

Robert Neulander was finally convicted of second-degree murder in 2015. However, due to procedural errors, the ruling was overturned in 2019 and a second trial took place in 2022. Even at the height of the presentation of evidence by the prosecution, the children of Robert Neulander did not change their opinion regarding the innocence of their father.

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The unwavering support of Robert Neulander's children

Throughout the legal battles of Robert Neulander, his children have been his strongest supporters. At the 2015 trial, Jenna's testimony became pivotal. The prosecution argued that her observations of blood and her father's actions raised questions about his involvement in Leslie's death.

Yet, Jenna maintained that her father was innocent, asserting that her reactions were out of concern for her mother. During the retrial in 2022, the Neulander siblings once again rallied behind their father. Ari was particularly vocal about their united front, stating,

"We love my mother just as much as my father... do you think we’d be with him if we thought he was guilty?"

Even with the second conviction, the siblings continued to appeal for leniency in sentencing. Emily's plea spoke of the bigger picture of Robert Neulander's imprisonment affecting the family. She mentioned how the absence of her father would affect her future. Furthermore, Jenna said it was "excruciating" to think about raising her children without guidance from her parents.

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Life after the trials: Careers and quiet lives

Since Robert Neulander was sentenced, his children have kept a low profile, focusing on their careers and personal lives. Robert had Brian and Emily from his first marriage and Ari and Jenna from his second, with Leslie. Here's what we know about the children's current endeavors:

Brian Neulander: The eldest, Brian, works as a Managing Counsel for a law firm in Baltimore, Maryland. He has also taught as an adjunct professor, reflecting his dedication to the legal field.

Emily Neulander: Emily is a yoga instructor and nurse, based in Boulder, Colorado. Such a career path emphasizes the importance of wellness and care towards others.

Ari Neulander: Ari still lives in New York and seems to have taken up a similar profession as his half-brother Brian, in the field of law.

Jenna Neulander: She also resides in New York. As the Associate Director of Foundation Engagement for Momentum Unlimited, Jenna shows an important commitment to community and philanthropy. Jenna Neulander's impressive resume includes an internship at the United Nations, along with leadership positions with multiple nonprofit organizations.

Despite carving out their different lives, the siblings have managed to stay quite close to one another, through shared experiences and belief in their father's innocence.

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For more details on the case, watch The House on Shalimar Way on Dateline NBC on Friday, December 27, 2024, at 9:00 PM ET/8:00 PM CT.