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Minnesota Man Who Said He Accidentally Shot Wife During Skirmish With Burglar Has Now Been Arrested For Her Murder
Nicholas Firkus said he picked up his shotgun after a burglar entered his home, but it accidentally discharged, striking his wife Heidi in the back.
A Minnesota man was taken into custody this week in relation to the killing of his wife more than a decade ago.
Nicholas James Firkus, 38, who is now accused in the 2010 murder of his wife, Heidi Firkus, was arrested by St. Paul Police SWAT team on Wednesday, jail records show. He has been charged with second-degree murder in connection to his spouse’s killing. He was later taken to a Ramsey County jail and interviewed by investigators.
Heidi Firkus was found slain in her home at approximately 6:30 a.m. on April 25, 2010, according to Minnesota authorities. She was 25 at the time.
Her husband previously told investigators that a burglar had entered their home and opened fire on his spouse during a struggle. He’d claimed he’d accidentally shot his wife in the back with a shotgun during the skirmish. He was treated at a hospital for gunshot wounds, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Authorities didn’t immediately specify what led to charges against Firkus. No arrests had previously been made in the killing. The warrant in his case is currently under seal and no further information was immediately available. Ramsey County District Attorney’s Office is expected, however, to make an announcement surrounding the case at a later time, officials said.
Family members of Heidi Firkus welcomed the news of the arrest in a prepared statement.
“[We are] extremely grateful for all those who have worked so hard and long to get the case to this point,” the family wrote. “And also for everyone who has prayed and stood beside us all these years. We are hopeful that these charges will finally bring out the truth and result in justice for Heidi. Even though we know we can’t have her back, we believe Heidi would want us to have the truth. God is honored by truth. Heidi’s life and memory is further honored by truth.”
The couple had reportedly gone through a foreclosure and were nearing a possible eviction around the time of the shooting, according to friends and family. Heidi's friends said she was an artist and social butterfly who adored being in nature. The couple met in church while they both were serving as youth group leaders, the newspaper reported.
A public information officer for the Minneapolis Police Department wasn't immediately available to comment on the case on Thursday.
Firkus was booked into a Ramsey County detention facility, records show. He was due in court on Thursday, prosecutors said. The criminal complaint is expected to be unsealed following his initial appearance.
Joe Friedberg, Nicholas Firkus’ attorney, declined to comment to local media regarding the case on Wednesday, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
