48 Hours “Who Wanted Nicki Lenway Dead?” October 7 2023 Recap & Preview
A crime scene investigator from the Minneapolis Police Department, Nicole “Nicki” Lenway, survived a horrifying attack where she was gunned down in broad daylight and left for dead in a parking lot. This harrowing story is the focus of “48 HOURS: Who Wanted Nicki Lenway Dead?” where Lenway shares her exclusive account of the incident with correspondent Erin Moriarty. The episode is set to air on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 10:00 PM ET/PT on the CBS Television Network, and it will also be available for streaming on Paramount+.
Lenway, who was picking up her child from a parenting center at the time of the attack, recounts the terrifying moment: “I’m halfway in between my vehicle and the door. And this person comes running up from behind me… Shots were being fired. I fell to the ground… And the shooter stands over me and continues to try to shoot… I felt my neck and then could see the blood.”
Emilie Clancy, a passerby, stopped to help Lenway in her time of need. The shooting incident was captured on surveillance video, although identifying the suspect wasn’t straightforward. Lenway was convinced that the shooter was a woman, but the motive behind the attack remained a mystery. Could it be linked to her work as a crime scene investigator, or was there another reason?
“I knew that this could happen,” Lenway admits, “but I didn’t want to believe it would.”
As investigators delved into the case, they initially explored the possibility that Lenway’s ex-boyfriend and the father of her child might be involved, despite his seemingly solid alibi. However, the investigation took an unexpected turn toward a suspect that nobody had imagined.
What Happened to Nicki Lenway?
On April 20, 2022, crime scene investigator Nicole “Nicki” Lenway was shot multiple times in a parking lot while picking up her son from a parenting center in Minneapolis. This shocking incident was captured on surveillance cameras. Remarkably, Lenway survived the attack.
Lenway recounted the harrowing experience, stating that she fell to the ground during the ambush, and the shooter continued to attempt to shoot her even as she lay injured. Emilie Clancy, who witnessed the attack, stopped to help Lenway and called 911. She provided crucial assistance until first responders arrived.
Initially, police suspected Lenway’s ex-boyfriend, Tim Amacher, who had been inside the building during the shooting, but he had an alibi. Lenway, however, was convinced he was involved due to their tumultuous history, including allegations of abuse and a bitter custody battle over their son.
Surveillance footage revealed a figure in black with a mask ambushing Lenway, firing shots, and fleeing in a black Dodge Ram truck. When investigators discovered that Amacher owned such a truck, they turned to the FBI for assistance. Agent Richard Fennern used data from Amacher’s truck and cellphone records to determine that the truck seen leaving the scene was indeed Amacher’s.
Police then questioned Amacher, who claimed that the only other person with access to his truck was Colleen Larson, his former taekwondo student and romantic partner. During her second interview with the police, Larson confessed to the shooting, stating that it was Amacher’s idea.
Despite Larson’s admission, Amacher denied involvement. Both eventually faced legal consequences. Amacher was found guilty of premeditated attempted murder and aiding Larson, receiving an 18-year prison sentence. Larson pleaded guilty to first-degree premeditated attempted murder and was sentenced to 16.5 years in prison.
