Minnesota Husband Murdered Wife Over Failing Finances, Blamed Her Shooting Death On Mysterious Home Intruder

A Minnesota murder mystery which became a cold case for more than a decade recently led to a life sentence for the victim's husband

Nick Firkus, 40, was sentenced to life without parole in St. Paul for killing Heidi, his first wife. Late April will mark 13 years since she was shot and killed.

Heidi Firkus reported a home break-in to 911. Then came a gunshot, and her phone line went dead.

Police found her body, with Nick Firkus wounded in the leg. He claimed for years, and even at his sentencing hearing, that his wife's report was accurate.

Firkus contends he fought an intruder who had a shotgun. But prosecutors say that claim has no supporting evidence.

For instance, ABC News said tests of the weapon revealed only Firkus's DNA was on it. And a prosecution statement announcing Firkus's arrest noted the 911 call had no sounds indicating a struggle.

Authorities concluded Firkus murdered his wife after lying about difficult finances and a possible eviction. WCCO-TV reported Firkus went 22 months without making mortgage payments.

Firkus's second wife says she secretly recorded a conversation with him about possibly lying about the death.

Firkus was arrested in May 2021, then was convicted by a jury in February.