Dateline NBC “65 Seconds” October 20 2023 Recap & Preview
In an all-new two-hour episode titled “65 Seconds,” set to air on Friday, October 20 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, Dateline delves into a harrowing story from St. Paul, Minnesota. The narrative begins with what appears to be a home invasion that results in the tragic death of 25-year-old Heidi Firkus and leaves her husband Nick hospitalized. As detectives dig deeper into the case, they uncover that the young couple was grappling with significant financial difficulties.
Throughout this episode, key insiders connected to the case share their perspectives and insights on the decade-long quest for justice. Interviews include Heidi’s brother Pete Erickson and sister-in-law Jolene Erickson, Nick’s second wife Rachel, Nick’s close friends, and other individuals involved in the investigation.
Dateline’s Blayne Alexander reports on this story that unfolds against the backdrop of St. Paul, Minnesota.
What Happened to Heidi Firkus & Killer Nick Firkus?
In the early hours of April 25, 2010, Heidi Firkus, 25, made a frantic 911 call reporting a break-in at her home. The call abruptly ended with a loud noise. Just 65 seconds later, her husband, Nick Firkus, 27, called 911, claiming his wife had been shot during a burglary gone wrong.
Heidi died at the scene with a gunshot wound to her upper back. Nick had a gunshot wound to his thigh. Nick’s account described a struggle with an intruder leading to the accidental discharge of the gun.
However, the investigation raised doubts. The house appeared undisturbed, and no evidence of an intruder was found. The couple was facing financial trouble, but Heidi seemed unaware of their impending eviction. Nick retained a defense attorney and declined to cooperate fully with the police.
Years later, after Nick’s divorce from his second wife Rachel, suspicions resurfaced. The case was reevaluated, and the FBI reconstructed sound data from the 911 call. No evidence of a third person in the house was found.
Nick Firkus was arrested in May 2021, charged with second-degree murder, and later indicted for first-degree murder. Prosecutors argued he killed Heidi due to shame over their impending eviction and concealed their financial troubles from her. The defense contended his innocence, pointing to a lack of DNA evidence on the gun and that the intruder could have been wearing gloves.
In February, Nick Firkus was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Throughout the years, Heidi’s family had to bear a “false public narrative” to conceal the truth, as Nick initially claimed an intruder was responsible for her death.
The case had a profound impact on Heidi’s family, who have been reliving the trauma daily. The jury’s verdict provided some relief, and an automatic appeal to the Minnesota Supreme Court will follow due to the first-degree murder conviction.
